Linz Music Theatre opens

The Linz Music Theatre opened on 11 April to much controversy over the cost of its construction. The project began in 2009 and cost an estimated €150 million, a large portion of which came from taxpayers. Finance Minister Maria Fekter (ÖVP) defended the spending: "Culture costs money, but lack of culture comes at a higher cost," she said.

The innovations were first demonstrated at the premiere of Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, the changes were described by opera guests as being "like night and day".