On 5 April 1874, at the historic Theater an der Wien, the world premiere of Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus changed the history of operetta forever. To celebrate Strauss’ 200th birthday, artistic director Stefan Herheim presents a fresh and imaginative new production of the “queen of operettas”, combining witty slapstick, musical references to the theatre’s own history, political reflections and meticulous character work. “Alina Wunderlin is a delightful grumpy Adele with coloratura qualities, Hulkar Sabirova throws herself wholeheartedly into the role of Rosalinde and Thomas Blondelle is a pompous, sleazy Eisenstein, just as one could wish for” (APA). Conductor Petr Popelka “achieves success with the confident and supple orchestra and the enthusiastic and splendid Arnold Schoenberg Chor” (Die Presse). “A brilliant performance by conductor and orchestra!” (FAZ)
A Musical Journey Across Austria
The Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra can rightly claim to be one of the most authentic ensembles for interpreting the music of the Strauss dynasty. Founded in 1966 in Vienna, the aim of the new orchestra was to cultivate both the music of the Strauss dynasty, as well as so-called ‘light’ Viennese music. This festive concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein Vienna is a musical journey across Austria and includes beautiful footage of the Austrian landscape and famous historical monuments, as well as short introductions by the conductor Johannes Wildner. Enjoy the magic of the music of the Strauss family and the accompanying impressions of Austria.
London Festival Ballet Double Bill: Sanguine Fan & Graduation Ball
SANGUINE FAN / A stylish ballet of wit and bitter-sweet romance, to Sir Edward Elgar’s only ballet score. Originally inspired by a mythological drawing in sanguine chalk on a fan, this production by Peter Docherty represented a very special place in the repertory of Festival Ballet. GRADUATION BALL / A comedy set in a fashionable Viennese girls’ school. An end-of-term dance, to which the cadets of a neighbouring military academy have been invited, begins with formal politeness and some shyness. Natural liveliness and youthful high spirits soon break through however – particularly when the headmistress and the elderly general are discovered to have embarked on a flirtation.
Festive Gala from the Semperoper Dresden 2018 – J. Strauss: The Bat
In this gala evening from the Semperoper Dresden Franz Welser-Möst brings his incomparable musicianship to the most Viennese of all operettas, Johann Strauss Jr.’s “Die Fledermaus”. The concert version shines with a distinguished cast headed by star tenor Jonas Kaufmann as Eisenstein, Rachel Willis-Sørensen as Rosalinde and Elisabeth Kulman as Prince Orlofsky. A sparkling production full of fizz and subtle humor.
Salzburg Wind Orchestra Gala with Martin Grubinger
A century after its collapse, the Danube Monarchy lives on – in the Waltz, the March, the Csárdás and the Polka. In a splendid gala concert the Bläserphilharmonie Mozarteum Salzburg, led by Hansjörg Angerer, brings the glamour of the world empire to life. The masterpieces of the leading composers who worked during the last hundred years of the Habsburg Monarchy are lively and triumphant, soulful and melancholic. Percussion superstar Martin Grubinger shines with a rousing performance of a specially arranged percussion suite. For the grand finale there is but one choice: The Blue Danube, the posthumous “national anthem” of the Danube Monarchy.
Golden Times – Thomas Hampson & The Philharmonics
“Golden Times” in Vienna: “When Hampson and the fabulous Philharmonics make music together, it’s a joy to behold” (Kurier). “Absolute virtuosity. Consummate vocalism” (Kronen Zeitung). “Breathtaking. The audience went wild” (Österreich). Star baritone Thomas Hampson is partnered by a “sensational ensemble” (Kronen Zeitung) – four virtuosos from the Vienna Philharmonic, one from the Berlin Philharmonic plus two gifted brothers – in brilliantly arranged favourites from Viennese operetta, Broadway and Hollywood musicals and much more – a deliciously entertaining evening at the Vienna Konzerthaus.
Jonas Kaufmann – My Vienna
My Vienna is a deeply personal tribute to the world-famous melodies from the birthplace of waltz and operetta. Jonas Kaufmann has always had a special rapport with Austria and Vienna. His grandmother had a fondness for the light classics and was happy to sing the evergreens of Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár and Robert Stolz – a nice contrast to his grandfather’s passion for Wagner. As a child, Jonas spent much of his free time on his grandparents’ farm in Tyrol. Austrian television was almost more familiar to him than its German counterpart. Since then he has had a deep love for Viennese songs and operetta. “The music always put me in a good mood”, he recalls. “When I had unlikeable things to do as a student, like cleaning or vacuuming, all I had to do was play Carlos Kleiber’s Fledermaus recording, and in no time at all I had a grin on my face.” Viennese songs and scenes from operettas; music by Johann Strauß, Franz Léhar, Emmerich Kálmán, Robert Stolz, Ralph Benatzky, Jaromir Weinberger, Peter Kreuder and Georg Kreisler.