The hills are alive in Salzburg, with the sound of Mozart, the von Trapp family, and music programs! The high note to most any performance, too, is that the guides and programs can be picked up for a song, or for free.

Note-worthy souvenirs

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is home to numerous music festivals, classical concerts, and innumerable musical performances.

The Slazburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival), from late July to the end of August, is the year’s biggest musical celebration. Events take place daily in locations around the city and music ranges from the delicate and regal sounds of the pianoforte to the more pedestrian picks of the electric guitar. And, drum roll… all the programs have, err, programs! Take a few home so you’ll never forget the sounds of Salzburg.

You can also grab copies of concert schedules, guides, flyers, and pamphlets inside the Schloss Mirabell palace as well as in the Domplatz (Cathedral Square).

Cheapo tip: Don’t forget to take note of the unique street musicians in Salzburg. Most artists sell their own CDs for less than €10.

While you’re at it…

Rock some Amadeus! Take home a few Mozartkugal chocolate balls. First concocted in 1890 by Paul Fürst, the kugal is a ball of green pistachio marzipan covered in a layer of nougat, then dunked in dark chocolate. Das ist sehr lecker! Fürst has four confectionaries located around Salzburg. Ten pieces cost $12 USD.

Photo above by LinksmanJD; A kiosk advertises musical concerts in Salzburg.

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Photo by furibond

After three idle years—actually we’re sure New York’s best have been quite industrious—the Beastie Boys are hitting the road once again. They’ll be performing at festivals in a few choice countries around the world and headlining Barcelona’s Sónar Festival this June. The Beasties will do two shows at the Sónar Festival, one strictly instrumental, the other traditional Beasties. They’ll hit the Catalonian capital on June 14, 15, and 16 (2007).

A celebration of experimental music, including Dizzie Rascal, DJ Nu-Mark, Mogwai, and Devo, is also on deck. Check out the festival’s site for times and tickets. The latter will run from €28 to €45.

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Photograph by Tomsch

Now that spring is officially here, with daylight saving time adjusted, Austrians are up and ready for outdoor activities, including the famous open-air music festivals that fill their streets with music and tourists.

Nickelsdorf, a sleepy village in Burgenland, will be the scene of one of the biggest rock festivals in Europe, attracting visitors from the ever-expanding corners of Europe. The vast Pannonia Fields is gearing up for Nova Rock for the third time.

This year attendees will witness the reunion of Smashing Pumpkins, along with Pearl Jam. Other musicians who have confirmed their appearances are Marilyn Manson, Incubus, The Killers, Slayer, The Hives, My Chemical Romance, Mando Diao, and Frank Black. Even Hollywood actor Jared Leto’s side project 30 Seconds to Mars is slated to perform.

The festival will run from June 15 to 17. Tickets range from €179 (including camping and parking) to €30 (for the so-called Caravan ticket). For concert attendees located anywhere in Austria outside of Burgenland, Austrian Railways is offering a 25% reduction on train journeys to and from the festival. Get a hold of their EVENTticket passes by booking on their Web site.

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