English
Spring is a very special time in Vienna, and not just because a balmy breeze begins to blow across the city. May marks the start of the month-long Vienna International Festival, which presents theatre, music and dance productions from around the world. Created to re-establish Vienna as a major cultural capital after World War II, this festival has brought world renowned performing artists to the city since 1951.
An important aspect of the Vienna International Festival is the Vienna International Music Festival. From 9 May to 21 June the Vienna Konzerthaus will present 68 events. This year’s featured composers are Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert, chosen to follow the motto “elites”.
The Vienna Konzerthaus is undoubtedly one of the best in world, and is especially unique in that it hosts a variety of concerts, programming, jazz, new music, world and classical during the course of the year. As part of the international Music Festival, there will be concerts by diverse artists and groups such as Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Angélique Kidjo «Oyo», John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension and the John Scofield Jazz Quartet.
Haydn, one of Austria’s best known and loved classical composers, sought to express the sublime though his music. Haydn’s works will be performed on 22 occasions, starting with event’s inauguration with a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic under Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
Guest performers and conductors include Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, the Vienna Symphonic and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Other classical music concerts include Schubert’s three major song cycles “Die Schöne Müllerin”, “Winter Journey” and “Swan Song.” For more information about the 34th International Music Festival check out www.konzerthaus.at. Traditionally, the festival begins with a free, open-air event in Vienna’s City Hall Square.
The festival offers modern and multilingual theatre programming, presenting plays, operas, concerts, performances, lectures, installations, films and video shows. The festival attracts approximately 180,000 visitors, and 50,000 tickets are available for the inaugural event. For tickets or more information about the program, you can contact the Wiener Festwochen, Léhargasse 11, A-1060 Vienna (tel. 01/589-22-22).
So why not take a relaxing and culturally enriching get-away this Spring? Experience the crème de la crème of cultural events. Sure, Vienna is famous for its delicious coffees and cakes, but it has a whole lot more to offer! Rent comfortable, affordable apartments in Vienna, and experience a small taste of the sublime.
