Tomoko and her husband Desy wanted to get married in his native country
of Hungary, but it wasn’t safe for him so they decided to wed in Salzburg.
And as Tomoko says, "I wanted to get married in Europe because I love Europe, especially
Austria, and it was close enough to Hungary for my husband's sake." Musically, it was a wonderful choice. Here are a few reasons.
Probably the best known aspect of musical Salzburg is its annual
festival, featured in the 1965 film Sound
of Music. The summer festival was
officially established in 1920, and is held at Cathedral Square. Operas and
dramas, orchestras and chamber music have all been performed at this festival. And
this festival is just one of the many musical events that happen throughout the
year in Salzburg.
There is a long tradition of music in Salzburg. The first opera performed
north of the Alps happened in Salzburg – in 1617: Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo.” It
was considered the first opera ever, and took place in a former quarry that was
transformed into a rocky theater. The opera
tells the story of Orpheus and his descent into Hell to bring back his dead
wife.
It might not be a surprise that Mozart was born in Salzburg: in 1756.
He grew up there, and stayed in Salzburg until he was 25 years old. Two museums
are now dedicated to Mozart, and the most extensive Mozart library in the world
is in Salzburg.
Salzburg’s most famous Baroque building is the Salzburg Cathedral,
where Mozart was baptized. As a court organist and concertmaster, he composed sacred
music to be performed there. Tomoko’s wedding was held at St. Gilgen's, where Mozart's mother was baptized. It
might well be that Tomoko could feel the spirit of Mozart, certainly of music, as
she and Desy exchanged their wedding vows.