Villa Sawallisch Cultural Centre

Experience the oasis of tranquillity and inspiration that the star conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch created here in Grassau! In the 1950s, he built himself a country estate on a hill above the hamlet of Kucheln, surrounded by a 40,000-square-metre garden featuring donkeys, peacocks and a luxurious guest house. It was here that he found the peace and inspiration he needed between his concerts.

Sawallisch was a dedicated patron of young musicians and founded the Sawallisch Foundation, which continues to support and nurture young talent to this day. He spent most of his life with his wife Mechthild in the Chiemgau region, enjoying the peace and beauty of the area. Even after taking up a post in the USA, Grassau remained his retreat, and he returned here time and again to unwind from his commitments. His estate became a place of encounter and inspiration for many artists, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Kent Nagano and Loriot.

Professor Sawallisch was also well known amongst the local population. Master tailor Otto Hofer Senior of the firm Trachten Hofer was his personal tailor. Sawallisch wore his bespoke suits, waistcoats and tailcoats at many of his concerts. For particularly important concerts, he always wore a new tailcoat. Even when conducting from the orchestra pit, he liked to choose a freshly lined tailcoat. On 22 February 2013, Wolfgang Sawallisch, an honorary citizen of Grassau, passed away in Grassau and was laid to rest in the local cemetery. In his honour, Wolfgang-Sawallisch-Platz, in front of the Grassau Music School, was named after him and will serve as a lasting memorial to him.

If we have sparked your interest in this unique cultural experience, we would be happy to organise tickets for the event of your choice. Click here for the cultural programme. (Flyer) or go directly to the website

You can book by calling 08641 / 40 10 or via concierge@das-achental.com.

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Culture – Villa Sawallisch

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