In memoriam Josef Wallnig (1946–2026)
On 24 September 2026, Austrian conductor, educator, distinguished Mozart scholar, Professor Emeritus of the Mozarteum University Salzburg and Honorary Doctor of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre Josef Wallnig passed away at the age of 80.
Born in Salzburg in 1946, Josef Wallnig studied piano and composition at the Mozarteum University and conducting at the Vienna Academy of Music and Performing Arts under the renowned conductor and teacher Hans Swarowsky. He also earned a doctorate in law from the University of Vienna.
Wallnig’s artistic career was closely connected with some of Austria’s most important musical institutions. He conducted at the Vienna State Opera, worked as Karl Böhm’s assistant at the Salzburg Festival, and later conducted Mozart’s stage works there himself. His professional activities extended far beyond Europe: he conducted opera productions and concerts and gave interpretation masterclasses in many countries around the world.
In 1980, Josef Wallnig became a professor at the Mozarteum University Salzburg. Over several decades, he played a significant role in educating generations of young musicians, headed departments of voice and music theatre, and served as Vice-Rector of the University. In 2006, he founded the Mozart Opera Institute (Mozart-Opern Institut, MOI) in Salzburg, which became an important centre for the study, interpretation and performance practice of Mozart’s operatic works.
A central focus of Wallnig’s artistic and academic career was the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was widely regarded as an ambassador of Austrian and Salzburg musical culture and of Mozart’s legacy, combining scholarly precision with vivid theatrical practice and sharing this expertise with young performers.
Josef Wallnig also maintained a long-standing relationship with the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. He participated in and initiated a number of projects dedicated to the music of W. A. Mozart at the Academy and collaborated with Lithuanian musicians and educators. In recognition of his significant contribution to the academic and artistic life of LMTA, Josef Wallnig was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre in 2008.
His ties with Lithuania continued for many years. In 2019, Josef Wallnig was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania.
The community of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre remembers Professor Josef Wallnig with deep respect and gratitude — as an outstanding artist, dedicated educator and a valued friend of the Academy.
We extend our sincere condolences to Josef Wallnig’s family, loved ones, colleagues, students and the entire Mozarteum University community.
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