40 years of festivals: Suzanne Harf on royals, stress and style

Suzanne Harf has spent four decades as protocol chief of the Salzburg Easter Festival, overseeing everything from state dinners to premieres with meticulous attention to detail. Her role demands precision, grace, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With a career spanning music, education, and diplomacy, Harf brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility and professional rigor to her work. She is known for her ability to manage high-pressure situations with composure, relying on deep breathing techniques she developed during her time as a singer. This method helps her stay calm even amid the intense demands of organizing one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events. Harf's responsibilities include coordinating receptions, award ceremonies, and international presentations. These tasks require not just organisational skill but also a keen understanding of etiquette and cultural nuances, especially when dealing with royal guests. She often prepares extensively for such visits, studying the protocols of different countries to ensure every interaction aligns with both tradition and respect. For instance, she recalls handling a visit from the Belgian monarch, who required specific courtesies that were unfamiliar to her initially. Learning these customs in advance allowed her to navigate the situation with confidence and professionalism. Born in Luxembourg, Harf has lived much of her life in Austria, where she has become a fixture at the Salzburg Easter Festival. Her background includes training in singing and teaching French repertoire at the Mozarteum, which has shaped her appreciation for music and culture. She describes her passion for art and performance as intrinsic to her identity, stating that she could not imagine living without music. This deep connection to the arts informs her approach to her current role, where aesthetics and functionality must coexist seamlessly. The festival itself is a major cultural event, drawing visitors from around the world. It is considered one of the leading classical music festivals in Europe, and Harf takes pride in its reputation. She believes that the standards set by the festival should be reflected in every aspect of its organisation, from the design of floral arrangements to the handwritten table cards. This philosophy underscores her belief that even small details contribute to the overall experience of attendees. Diplomacy plays a crucial role in her work, especially given her dual roles as honorary consul of Luxembourg and as a senior figure in the festival’s hierarchy. She views diplomacy as essential in maintaining open lines of communication between individuals, nations, and institutions, particularly in times of tension. Harf admires those who excel in this area, seeing it as one of the most valuable skills in modern society. Her ability to balance personal warmth with formal decorum makes her an effective representative of both the festival and her home country. When royal guests arrive, Harf’s expertise becomes even more apparent. She notes that certain traditions, such as the requirement to walk behind a monarch rather than ahead, can be challenging to adapt to. Yet, she approaches each situation with flexibility and preparation, ensuring that every guest feels respected and well-treated. Her familiarity with regular royal visitors, such as King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, allows her to anticipate their needs and maintain consistency in service. These interactions highlight the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in her profession.