The Rhythm of 
Vienna 2017: What's On

The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II (1867)
  Source: Collections Anton Walte

Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz debuted February 15th 1867
     Throughout 2017 Vienna becomes a symphony of musical celebration. Classical and contemporary performances are set to fill the air, concert halls, bars and clubs marking the capital’s musical anniversaries. These include the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and 150 years since the debut performance of Strauss’ famous Blue Danube Waltz in February 15th 1867.
     Experience of some of Europe’s finest orchestral performances in settings such as the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein concert hall. But much more than classical music is on offer this year in the Austrian capital. Rock, rap, pop and electronic acts provide the soundtrack to the bars and clubs along the Danube Canal, on the Gürtel, at the Vienna Culture Festival and Danube Island Festival to provide a bustling alternative musical allure.

Vienna Boys’ Choir: Every Sunday until June 2017
     Founded 500 years ago the Vienna Boys Choir is one of Vienna’s most popular musical institutions. For much of the year the choir tours the world but they have been enticed back to their hometown by this year’s musical anniversaries and performances. Up until June 2017 they can be heard performing at Sunday morning mass in the Hofburg Chapel performing songs from traditional German language hymns to Michael Jackson covers. Accompaniment is provided by members of the Opera Orchestra and are always performed in their traditional sailor suits which has been their uniform since 1924.

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: May 25th 2017

Visit: www.sommernachtskonzert.at/index_en.html

     Each year the Austrian capital hosts 15,000 concerts of all sizes and genres on around 120 stages. If you missed tickets for their New Year’s Eve concert the Vienna Philharmonic, who celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, puts on an equally impressive performance at the annual Summer Night’s Concert. The institution was founded in 1841 by Otto Nicolai and many of its instruments are specially built, including the clarinet, the bassoon (or the particularly difficult-to-play Vienna horn). At the Summer Night’s Concert on May 25th 2017, in front of one of Vienna’s most iconic buildings, the Schonbrunn Palace, the orchestra delivers masterclass performances of Austrian classics from Mozart to Beethoven to Strauss. And the price: free.

Vienna Blues Spring: March 20th - April 30th 2017

Visit: www.viennabluesspring.org

     The international blues scene comes together in the Austrian capital for the world’s longest blues festival. Blues musicians from all over the world will perform in locations such as Vienna’s famous House of Music, Riegen Live café and Theatre Accent. The festival is a celebration of all that is blues, proving that the style is timeless and still holds huge appeal to all age groups. Acts include such Vienna locals Coachman Blues Band and Hermann Posch.


Vienna Festival. May 12th - June 18th 2017
     Under renowned artistic director Tomas Zierhofer-Kin, the 2017 Vienna Festival is a multi-discipline arts event of theatre, lectures and music. The line-up includes music with a mission to bring a sophisticated dimension to the electronic music of the Vienna club scene. From May 12th to June 18th expect a fresh twist on traditional classical melodies with an injection of electronica. One of the highlights will be the German artist Jonathan Meese directing a new interpretative performance of Richard Wagner’s Parsifal by Austrian composer Bernhard Land.


Danube Island Festival. June 23 - 25th 2017

     The Danube Island Festival is Europe’s largest, free open air party, with more than three million visitors a year. An impressive 4 miles in length, the festival site features around 25 concession stands and numerous stages offering an eclectic mix of genres from rock, rap, to electronic. The mega-party is set for 23-25th June 2017. Previous headlines acts have included international acts such as Sean Paul and Bob Geldof.



The Gürtel Nightwalk: August 26th 2017
     On August 26th 2017, for one night only, Vienna’s most popular bar strips are transformed into the city’s biggest music venue. Stretching from the central library on Urban-Loritz-Platz to other venues B72 and Loop via Chelsea and Rhiz, the area will host around 20 open-air stages ready for free performances by Austrian and international musical acts. The spirit of the Nightwalk demonstrates how far the nightlife of Vienna has developed as a cultural centre in mainstream music and culture. This year The Gürtel Nightwalk is celebrating its own 20th anniversary in 2017 with pop, rock and experimental- classical music with modern electronic updates.

For more information on visiting and exploring Vienna visit www.vienna.info