Kastelruther Spatzen: The Voice of South Tyrol That Touches the Heart
Born among the Dolomites and raised to the sound of tradition, the Kastelruther Spatzen are much more than a musical group: they are a symbol of South Tyrolean identity. Founded in the 1980s by Karl Schieder, Walther Mauroner, and Valentin Silbernagl, the “Little Sparrows of Castelrotto” have carried their German-language folk music far beyond the borders of South Tyrol, winning the hearts of thousands of fans all across Europe.
Success came early, with the single “Das Mädchen mit den erloschenen Augen”, which earned them their first gold record and established them as true ambassadors of Alpine folk music. Today, they boast an impressive career:
- 45 albums released
- 13 ECHO Awards, Germany’s most prestigious music honour
- 9 Folk Music Crowns
The Current Band Members
The current lineup of the Kastelruther Spatzen includes: Norbert Rier, the unmistakable lead voice of the group, Kurt Dasser, Valentin Silbernagl, Walter Mauroner, Albin Gross, Karl Heufler, and Rüdiger Hemmelmann.
Together, they continue to bring the warmth of South Tyrolean folk music to international stages while staying true to their roots.
Three Unmissable Events for Fans
The Kastelruther Spatzen are an experience best lived live. Every year in Castelrotto, fans gather for three events that have become true community traditions:
- The Open Air in June – An outdoor concert in the heart of the Dolomites, where music meets mountain air and emotion fills the valley.
- The Kastelruther Spatzen Festival in October – A great autumn celebration that turns Castelrotto into an open-air stage. It’s the perfect occasion to enjoy the band and experience the warm hospitality of South Tyrol.
- The Christmas Concert – An intimate and atmospheric event, perfect for feeling the magic of Advent through heartfelt Christmas songs and melodies that warm the soul.
The Kastelruther Spatzen embody a deep bond between music, culture, and their homeland. Listening to them is like taking a journey through the mountains, legends, and emotions of South Tyrol.
