Kandinsky Quartet
Founded in Vienna in 2020, the Kandinsky Quartet is known for its gripping interpretations, a keen sense of timbre, and an irrepressible joy of playing. With a refined sense of nuance and a deep musical instinct, these four exceptional talents are exploring the string quartet repertoire in an entirely new way. In addition to classical elegance, the quartet demonstrates a boldness for radical dynamics, particularly in contemporary works. Technical perfection forms the foundation for the gripping musical narratives of the selected works. The four musicians combine four strong artistic personalities into a harmonious and captivating total work of art.

Schmack is one of those groups that consistently defies any clear categorization. The quartet from Linz and Vienna combines the energy of groove and funk with the openness of jazz, touches on pop, rock, and fusion, and uses these elements to develop a distinctive band sound. Driving rhythms meet sophisticated musical intricacies, striking melodies meet surprising twists, and a spirit of sonic adventure. Despite all its stylistic diversity, the music never feels haphazard but instead unfolds with remarkable cohesion. Already on their self-titled debut album (2019), Schmack demonstrated a penchant for dynamic arcs of tension; with their second album, “In Love” (2024), this approach was further refined. The pieces gain depth, leave room for expansive developments, and combine virtuosity with immediate accessibility. Live, the band unleashes its full power and captivates audiences with a blend of precision, joy in playing, and rousing intensity.

Ariana Hernández Vera
Pianist and composer Ariana Hernández Vera is one of the most exciting young artists on the contemporary music scene in Austria. Born in Mexico and based in Linz, she performs at renowned avant-garde festivals around the world. In her work, she blends the classical piano tradition with experimental, modern trends and her own forward-looking compositions. Her music is an invitation to explore undiscovered soundscapes. As a pianist and composer, she combines technological innovations—such as multimedia elements and toy pianos—with the raw emotional power of the classical grand piano. Shaped by international experiences such as the impuls Festival in Austria, the Festspillene i Bergen in Norway, and the Time of Music Festival in Finland, she brings a global, uncompromisingly modern perspective to the stage. Ariana Hernández Vera presents a fascinating symbiosis of virtuoso piano playing, forward-looking composition, and multifaceted interpretation.

Oskar Haag
At just 20 years old, Oskar Haag is one of the most distinctive young voices in Austrian pop music. Since his highly acclaimed solo performance at Popfest Wien 2021—to which he returned as the headliner just three years later—his career has taken off at a remarkable pace. His debut album, *Teenage Lullabies*, reached No. 6 on the Austrian album charts, several singles stormed to No. 1 on the FM4 charts, and he also founded his own label, Lullaby Records. In 2023, Haag became the youngest artist in history to receive the FM4 Amadeus Austrian Music Award, followed in 2024 by a nomination for Alternative Act of the Year. International festival appearances—including Eurosonic, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn Festival, and Sziget—as well as support shows for Birdy, Tocotronic, and AVEC underscore his growing international presence. At the same time, Haag has enjoyed success as an actor on stage and in film. He progressed from a supporting role in *Mit einem Tiger schlafen* to the lead role in *Mila/Marija*. With the intimate EP *Field of Love* and the double album *Lost Cause*, released in September 2026, he continues to consistently develop his distinctive musical universe.