Bregenz Festival opens in Austria

VIENNA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The 63rd Bregenz Festival opened Wednesday in Bregenz, a border city in western Austria.

In an opening address, Austrian President Heinz Fischer stressed the value of democracy by using the motto of the festival-- Power and Music, saying power was a special phenomenon.

"On one hand, it is clear that no society could exist without power, even if they wanted. On the other hand we also know the danger of abusing power," Fischer said

"Power is like a medicine, the correct dosage is helpful and essential, but overdosage could cause an opposite effect and might ultimately be fatal," he added.

Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, Vice Chancellor Wilhelm Molterer and other government officials, as well as famous Austrian dancers and singers, attended the opening ceremony.

The Bregenz Festival, with a water stage 25 meters from the shore of the Lake Bodensee, was held firstly in 1946. It is one of the most famous festivals in Austria.

A large number of tourists and art lovers from Germany, Switzerland and other cities of Austria come to Bregenz every year during the festival to enjoy performances on the hi-tech water stage.

More than 60 art events will be held during the festival, which ends on Aug. 23.

As the focus of the festival, the famous opera Tosca by Giacomo Puccini will be played every day on the water stage.