Tanz Signale — Vienna 2004
Some eighteen members of the Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain met
with a similar numbers from the German, Japanese and Viennese Societies
for a week of events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Johann Strauss I.
The week started with a performance of Die Tolle Therese,
which took place in a school a short tram ride from the city centre. Based
on the actress Therese Krones, it uses melodies by Strauss father.
The symposium itself started in the Rathaus (City Hall),
with presentations from many members of the International Strauss Societies.
Two of our members, Ann Goormachtige, a member from Belgium and our
Honorary Life President, Peter Kemp, gave presentations on Johann Strauss in
Belgium and Great Britain, respectively.
At mid-day, Vienna's mayor hosted a reception at the Rathaus for the members
of the assembled Strauss Societies.
The day was wound up by an evening presentation at Dommayer's Café,
where we also had a meal, having found our way through the blizzard.
The symposium continued on Wednesday, and there was also a lunchtime
reception at the Romanian Embassy.
The following day, the Viennese Society invited us all to their new offices,
and many members finished the day by attending an entertaining and outstanding
performance of Ashenbrödel at the Staatsoper.
The pace only slackened slightly on Friday, with a guided tour, with music,
of Viennese locations with connections with Johann I, given by Dr Eduard Strauss.
In the evening, we attended a Viennese concert in ORF's studios.
On Saturday, the stamina of those attending was tested by a further excursion,
this time to Graz, 2-1/2 hours away by coach. We had a walking tour of the city,
a meal, and a concert by "Walzerperlen", a salon orchestra performance of
Strauss and related works with three singers.
Sunday was the last day with organised events for our party: a Schrammel
concert in the morning was followed by another tram trip out to the Central Cemetary
for the formal wreath laying on the grave of Johann Strauss I,
there being no other memorial to him alone in the city.
Finally, most of those attending the week of events also attended a concert
in the magnificent "Golden Hall" of the Musikverein, unfortunately lacking the
flowers that deck it at the New Year.
Mostly of works by Johann I, the concert was introduced by Dr Eduard Strauss
and was enjoyed by all, as was the venue!
This brought a busy but very enjoyable and satisfying week to an end.
We will have to wait and see if Dr Eduard Strauss's calls for
"Tanz Signale 2005, 2006, ..." is heeded!
Copyright © 2004, Webmaster
The original "'Tanz Signale" web site may be found
here. |
