(Credit: Andreas Hechenberger)

Rolando Villazón, the Artistic Director of the Mozartwoche in Salzburg, has announced that the organizers have canceled the famed Mozart Week 2021, which was supposed to take place from Jan. 21 – Jan. 31, 2021.

“We are very sorry that we will not be able to hold the Mozart Week 2021. With a lot of optimism, we had the hope until the end to be able to give you carefree hours with the highest live music enjoyment in Salzburg in January. This decision has hit me and us right in the heart, but of course, everyone’s health comes first,” said Villazón in an official statement.

“The current regulations of the federal government regarding the opening of cultural venues as of January 18 2021 are a positive signal, but unfortunately not practicable for the Mozart Week with 56 events on eleven days,” added Villazón.

The tenor confirmed that the events of Mozart Week will be available online, with more information coming shortly.

The Austrian government has implemented a new lockdown which will last until Jan. 18, 2021.