The Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester, also known as the Vienna Entertainment Orchestra, is a classical music ensemble based in Vienna, Austria. The orchestra was founded in 2006 by conductor and pianist Andreas Steppan, with the aim of reviving the Viennese tradition of light classical music. The ensemble consists of around 40 musicians, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The orchestra's repertoire includes waltzes, polkas, marches, and other popular pieces from the Viennese and Austrian musical traditions, as well as works by composers such as Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, and Emmerich Kálmán. One of the highlights of the Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester's early years was a performance at the Vienna State Opera in 2008, where they played a program of Viennese music to a sold-out audience. The orchestra has also performed at other prestigious venues in Vienna, such as the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus. In addition to their performances in Vienna, the Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester has toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia. They have performed in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, China, and Japan, and have received critical acclaim for their performances. One of the orchestra's most notable achievements was their performance at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. The Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester was chosen to represent Austria at the event, and performed a program of Viennese music to an audience of over 10,000 people. The performance was widely praised for its energy and enthusiasm, and helped to raise the profile of the orchestra on the international stage. In addition to their live performances, the Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Wiener Melange," was released in 2008 and features a selection of Viennese waltzes and polkas. The album received positive reviews and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in the Viennese music tradition. Over the years, the Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester has undergone some changes in its membership, but has remained committed to its mission of promoting Viennese and Austrian music. In recent years, the orchestra has continued to perform at major venues and events around the world, and has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the classical music world. Overall, the Wiener Unterhaltungsorchester has established itself as one of the premier ensembles in the Viennese music tradition. With their commitment to preserving and promoting this rich musical heritage, the orchestra has become a beloved institution in Vienna and beyond.

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