Vienna celebrates Strauss: 200 years of waltz and major anniversary events!

Vienna celebrates Strauss: 200 years of waltz and major anniversary events!

Vienna is facing a very special celebration, as on October 25, 2025 the city will celebrate the 200th birthday of its most famous son, Johann Strauss (Son). This occasion will be honored with an extensive year of celebrations that will focus on the city's cultural diversity. Under the motto "King of Waltz. Queen of Music", the Viennese and their guests can expect numerous events that honor the composer's work and underline his importance for music history. MyDistrict reports a “day full of music and homages”.

The celebrations begin on the anniversary day with a ceremony in the Vienna City Hall, which starts at 11 a.m. Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler will welcome the guests here. Artists like Alma Deutscher and Martin Grubinger will provide a musical highlight. This event is also free, although registration is required, but places are still available.

Concerts in the music club

The music club then continues with two large concerts, each taking place in the afternoon and evening. At 3:30 p.m. the Vienna Philharmonic's birthday concert will be performed under the direction of Tugan Sokhiev. The program includes a “Best of Strauss” from 1925 as well as the premiere of “Schani 200” by Georg Breinschmid. After the afternoon has been filled with lively sounds, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra's birthday concert at 7:30 p.m. provides the crowning conclusion to the day. Manfred Honeck will lead the orchestra and, together with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Vienna Boys' Choir, will present special premieres, including compositions by John Williams and Max Richter.

Diverse festivities

But that's not all! On the same day, the popular operetta “One Night in Venice” will be staged again at the Volksoper, and the youth company of the Ballet Academy will show the premiere of “Strauss 2225: Dances for the Future” at the NEST at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. For the adventurous, there is the escape room “Shadow of Doubt – in the Mind of the Genius” in the MuseumsQuartier, whose time slots can already be booked.

A variety of events are offered throughout Vienna, as the anniversary year includes not only top-class concerts, but also numerous exhibitions and themed days, including Bat Day on April 5th. Johann Strauss is considered one of Vienna's biggest music stars and, with over 500 dance pieces and 15 operettas, is an integral part of the Viennese ball season and has left a lasting impression with his works such as the famous "Die Fledermaus" and the "Danube Waltz". Loud wien.info In the anniversary year, the city will become a stage for traditional and innovative projects that will be spread across the entire city and also take place in original locations such as the Central Cemetery.

Overall, October 25, 2025 will be a day that will make the hearts of music lovers beat faster and is a worthy tribute to the “King of Waltz”. The entire Strauss program is an impressive opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of one of the most famous figures in Viennese music history and enjoy the festive atmosphere.