Volksoper Wien: The Bat
Vienna, Volksoper Wien — Main Hall
About the Event
Experience the magic of classical music in a breathtaking performance of Johann Strauss' masterpieces at the iconic Volksoper Wien in Vienna.
The timeless operetta "Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss perfectly embodies the spirit of Vienna, with its exuberant parties, romantic misunderstandings, and delightful waltzes. It is a celebration of life, love, and the art of living in the moment.
The Volksoper Wien is renowned as the epitome of Viennese opera houses, and it is no wonder that "Fledermaus" holds a special place in its repertoire. Under the direction of Lotte de Beer, this beloved classic has been revitalized with fresh perspectives and modern interpretations, breathing new life into this beloved work of art.
Practical Information
In German with English surtitles
Program
- Johann Strauss – Die Fledermaus
Volksoper Wien
The Volksoper Wien is the largest opera theatre in Vienna. Although its repertoire originally focused on light opera and operetta, the season also features heavier operatic works, musicals, ballets and concerts. Built in 1898 and intended as a theatre for drama, in 1903 its was repurposed to stage operas and operettas alongside plays. After the Second World War, in which the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) was severely damaged, the Volksoper became the city's principal opera house until 1955. Today, the Volksoper produces around 300 performancess of primarily German-language pieces a year, along with other works presented in German translation. Some performances offer English subtitles to make the unique musical experience in the Volksoper Vienna more accessible to an international audience.
Johann Strauss
Johann Strauss Jr., also known as the king of waltz, is the most famous Austrian composer of dance music and operettas. He was born in 1825 in Vienna’s suburbs. Even though his father, Johann Strauss I, was a respected composer, he was totally opposed to his son' secision to dedicate his life to music and wanted him to become a banker instead. Therefore, the boy had to learn to play the violin literally in secrecy. His tutor, Franz Amon, was actually the first violin player of his father’s orchestra. Meanwhile, the young Strauss went to the polytechnic college at his father’s request. In 1844 Johann Strauss Jr. formed his own small orchestra that performed in different casinos and restaurants. But his father, being very influential on the local musical scene, made a lot of effort to get his son’s orchestra banned from playing at popular locations and events. However, this could hardly stop the young Strauss from becoming a success in Austria. After his father’s death, Strauss merged both their orchestras and started touring Austria and nearby countries. He as well as his younger brothers ,who were also composers, basked in fame due to their dance music that sounded so modern and innovative back then. Johann Strauss also travelled to the United States where he beat the record by conducting an orchestra of 1000 people. Until his death in 1899, Strauss was extremely popular thanks to his light and lively music, full of blissfulness, zest for life and enjoyment. His works celebrate nature’s beauty, purl of water, gush of wind and wisper of tree leaves.
Address
Volksoper Wien, Währinger Strasse 78, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
