SALZBURG PREPARES TO CELEBRATE!
200th anniversary of epic Christmas song ‘Silent Night’
The classic christmas song ‘Silent Night’ celebrates its 200th anniversary in December 2018. The city of Salzburg is gearing itself up in preparation of this momentous occasion. Visitors from all over the world are expected to visit Salzburg where this epic song originated from.
In 1816 Joseph Mohr created the poem ‘Silent Night’ while he was serving in Mariapfarr in the Lungau Region of the Province of Salzburg. Two years later on Franz Xaver Christmas eve in 1818 Gruber added the melody to the lyrics and created a song which would ultimately be the world’s most was first heard at famous Christmas Song. The song near Salzburg the Saint Nikola Church in Oberndorf by a guitar when two solo voices accompanied of this song. From delivered a pitch perfect rendition Tirol took the song then on an organ builder from Zillertal Valley from Oberndorf to Fugen in Tirol’s way to the rest of from where ‘Silent Night’ found its to be the the world. Today ‘Silent Night’ is considered in the world. most famous recorded Christmas song Christmas, and ‘Silent Night’ is synonymous with is played on the in every part of the world this song considered to be radio, tv and in people’s homes. It is people and is also an emotional song which can move viewed as a symbol of peace especially for Christians all over the world.
The song has been translated into over 300 languages and its widespread popularity across the cultures is overwhelming. Such is its importance that UNESCO recognised ‘Silent Night’ as an important cultural contribution and in 2011 the song was placed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria.
Despite its global appeal, only a few know the song traces its origins to the Austrian Province of Salzburg and its epic journey began from the Austrian Province of Tirol. Therefore the Austrian authorities are pulling out the stops to ensure the whole world knows the origins of this song and are encouraging tour operators from across the world to include these historic places in their tour itineraries.
During the month of December Qwest Destinations, one of Sri Lanka’s premier outbound travel and tour operators will be hosting a series of tours which will include a comprehensive Sound of Music tour encompassing several Silent Night events. The city has organised several events to celebrate this famous song including museum displays, churches and memorial sites with connections to this epic tune. By all accounts this promises to be a memorable experience and an epic adventure.