Johann Strauss II, the legendary Viennese Waltz King, was born in Vienna 200 years ago in 1825. However, he died a German, namely a citizen of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Out of love for Adele, the Imperial and Royal Court Ball music director renounced his Austrian citizenship and converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism – and this only because the Pope did not annul the Catholic marriage between Strauss and his second wife, Lilli. As an art connoisseur, Duke Ernst II gladly opened the doors to celebrity and was willing to make Strauss "his" citizen. Following naturalization, the Strauss couple were married in the court chapel of Ehrenburg Palace. In gratitude, Strauss dedicated the polka française "Neues Leben" (New Life) to the Duke. The anniversary concert "Straussiana" will feature works by Strauss's contemporaries, admirers, and the master himself. Of course, his non-blood-related namesake, Richard Strauss, who was himself a master of the late Romantic waltz, will also be featured. Star cellist Alexey Stadler will open his residency with "Don Quixote," a tone poem on a theme of chivalric character.

Straussiana

State Theatre Eisenach

Johann Strauss II, the legendary Viennese Waltz King, was born in Vienna 200 years ago in 1825. However, he died a German, namely a citizen of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Out of love for Adele, the Imperial and Royal Court Ball music director renounced his Austrian citizenship and converted from Catholicism to Lutheranism – and this only because the Pope did not annul the Catholic marriage between Strauss and his second wife, Lilli. As an art connoisseur, Duke Ernst II gladly opened the doors to celebrity and was willing to make Strauss "his" citizen. Following naturalization, the Strauss couple were married in the court chapel of Ehrenburg Palace. In gratitude, Strauss dedicated the polka française "Neues Leben" (New Life) to the Duke.

A2 Straussiana

Gotha City Hall

Welcome to Vienna, where the waltz meets a dash of whimsy. Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo leads a journey from the lilting charm of Johann Strauss Jr.’s The Blue Danube to the playful sparkle of Constanze Geiger’s Ferdinandus Waltz. Then, a wink of mischief: Friedrich Gulda’s Cello Concerto, performed by TFO’s Yoni Draiblate, bends the rules with wit and flair, infusing jazz into the classical style. The evening closes with the sumptuous romance of Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier Opera Suite. Vienna —refined, radiant and just a little cheeky.

Constanze Geiger

Events

Upcoming events

20 - 21 Nov, 2026

The Blue Danube & Beyond · Florida Orchestra

Past events

Nov 14, 2025

Straussiana · Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach

Oct 23, 2025

A2 Straussiana · Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach

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