Today’s meeting is with Martin Schoenegger, official photographer of the Festival for more than fifteen years: almost all the photos that appear on our facebook page (and on our website ...) are his!

Born in San Candido, Martin has created photographic material for numerous publications; although his work has often led him to travel, his activity mainly takes place in the area of Alta Pusteria and the Dolomites.

MARTIN; FIRST OF ALL, CAN YOU TELL US WHEN YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY BEGAN?

My passion was born as a teenager, when I won a photo contest in Germany during middle school. I still remember the award: a ball signed by the best German footballer!

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PLACE, AMONG ALL THE FESTIVAL VENUES, WHERE YOU PREFER TO TAKE YOUR PHOTOS?

First of all, let me say that all the Festival venues, especially the outdoor ones, are incredibly spectacular: we are talking about the most beautiful mountains in the world! However, if I really have to point out a few, the Croda Rossa and the Val Fiscalina, both in Sesto, immediately come to mind; to these I would add Prato Piazza in the Braies Valley and the Baranci Refuge in San Candido which offer particularly suggestive backgrounds. Finally, Monte Elmo and Plan de Corones are not to be forgotten, from the top of which we can admire the most beautiful views of the Val Pusteria.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR MEMORY OF A CONCERT?

I remember, a few years ago, the particularly engaging performance of a Russian choir in the Collegiate Church in San Candido: while I was taking the photos, the voice of the young solo singer made me shiver ...

IN WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE FESTIVAL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EVENTS?

To answer this question it would be enough to be in San Candido on the day of the Parade, where thousands of choristers from all over the world gather in joy united by the value of music; it is the demonstration that there are no borders when people have a common purpose.

THANKS MARTIN! AND WE HOPE TO SEE MORE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS.