From 1 to 29 March 2025, Vienna can look forward to a series of extraordinary events that celebrate the work of the famous composer Johann Strauss in a variety of ways and integrate him into modern cultural life. Under the title Dance – Move – Sleep The Austrian waltz king will be experienced in a new, unconventional form that combines both classical and experimental elements. The event is part of the larger series "Johann Strauss 2025", which this year is dedicated to Strauss's legacy and makes Vienna a center for operetta, music and creative art.
The opening event takes place from March 1st to 4th at REAKTOR (17th district), where the dance and performance ensemble Liquid Loft, together with the ensemble PHACE, will present a world premiere entitled "Seid umschlungen Millionen" (Be Embraced, You Millions ). This performance takes the audience on a journey through the sensuality and intoxication of Strauss's music, merging classical elements with modern artistic expressions. The event offers a unique opportunity to view the works of Johann Strauss through the lens of contemporary art.
On March 5th, the concert "The Joy of Life" will take place in the studio building of the Academy of Fine Arts, where the choir Chorus sine nomine, under the direction of Johannes Hiemetsberger, will present Johann Strauss's works in modern interpretations. The program will feature world premieres by Flora Geisselbrecht and Adrian Artacho Bueno, which elevate the spirit of Strauss's waltzes and polkas to a new level and fill the audience with fresh energy and joie de vivre.
The series concludes on March 8th with Max Richter's work "Sleep" in the Malersaal of the Arsenal (3rd district). This Austrian premiere offers a meditative and intimate counterpoint to the preceding, energetic performances. Known for its gentle, hypnotic sounds, this work will transport visitors into a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It is an invitation to relaxation and reflection, providing a welcome respite from the hectic pace of March.
The Musical Discovery of Strauss's Vienna
On March 6th, the Strauss Topographies lecture series begins at the University of Vienna, exploring the influence of Johann Strauss on the city of Vienna and its musical traditions. Led by experts and musicologists, the lectures offer both students and Strauss enthusiasts deeper insights into the composer's history and significance.
Another highlight follows on March 10th at the Vienna Konzerthaus, when more than 900 Viennese schoolchildren will present their own versions of Strauss's waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles under the title "Jo! Strauss ." The children have immersed themselves in Strauss's music and will showcase their creativity and interpretation on stage. This performance is a wonderful opportunity to experience the next generation of musicians and music lovers approaching Strauss's classical music in their own unique way.
On March 15, the Volkstheater presents Villa Orlofsky, an unusual new version of the second act of Strauss's operetta Die Fledermaus . Director Paul-Georg Dittrich brings the famous act to the stage in a modern, multimedia version, combining classical music with live electronics. This innovative interpretation promises an unforgettable experience that blurs the lines between traditional musical theatre and modern performance techniques.
Interactive Art in Public Space
From March 21st, Vienna's Stadtpark will be transformed into an interactive stage by Victoria Coeln's light and media artwork LichtStrauss . Inspired by the female characters in Strauss's operettas, the park becomes a walk-through artwork that uses light, music, and performance to question public perceptions of Strauss's work, both past and present. Visitors can immerse themselves in this interactive art, experiencing not only Strauss's works but also engaging in a social dialogue about the visibility of women in art history.
For all those who would like to experience the Danube and the music of Strauss in a different light, singer-songwriter Ernst Molden offers a very special opportunity on March 22nd: On the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth of the DDSG Blue Danube, Molden will take a musical journey along the Danube with his song cycle Schdrom , presenting his Viennese perspective on the famous "On the beautiful blue Danube" melody.
Strauss in a Modern Context
Another highlight of the series is The Song from the Edge of the World or The Gypsy Baron (from March 25th), a new version by the Musicbanda Franui. In this version, Strauss's famous operetta is placed in a modern context and given a new political and social dimension, reinterpreting the themes and tensions of Strauss's work in today's environment.
The grand finale of the event is the Vienna Philharmonic's operetta pasticcio on March 29th. Under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst and in collaboration with renowned soloists, rarely performed works by Strauss will be presented. This concert offers the opportunity to experience Strauss in an intimate yet festive atmosphere.
The Dance – Move – Sleep event series offers not only an opportunity to celebrate the music of Johann Strauss, but also a unique perspective on the composer's legacy in a modern context. Whether through dance performances, concerts, interactive artworks, or scholarly lectures, the events surrounding Strauss's works offer an extraordinary diversity with something for every audience. In a year dedicated to the Johann Strauss anniversary, Vienna becomes a center for music, art, and culture, honoring the Viennese waltz and operetta in all their facets.