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Ensemble

 

The Vienna Strauss Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing the works of the Strauss family, as well as other composers of the Viennese waltz tradition. The orchestra was founded in 1978 by conductor and violinist Willi Boskovsky, who had previously served as concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Boskovsky had a deep love for the music of the Strauss family, particularly Johann Strauss II, and he wanted to create an ensemble that would specialize in this repertoire. He assembled a group of musicians who shared his passion for this music, and the Vienna Strauss Orchestra was born. The orchestra's first performance was in January 1979, at the Musikverein in Vienna. The concert was a great success, and the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its lively and authentic performances of Viennese waltzes and polkas. Over the years, the Vienna Strauss Orchestra has performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and the United States. The ensemble has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have been bestsellers. One of the highlights of the Vienna Strauss Orchestra's career was its performance at the 1987 New Year's Day Concert in Vienna. This concert, which is broadcast live on television and radio around the world, is one of the most prestigious events in the classical music calendar. The Vienna Strauss Orchestra's performance was widely praised, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Viennese waltz music. Another notable performance by the Vienna Strauss Orchestra was its appearance at the 1994 World Cup opening ceremony in Chicago. The orchestra performed a medley of Viennese waltzes and polkas, accompanied by a group of dancers dressed in traditional Austrian costumes. The performance was a hit with the crowd, and it helped to introduce the music of the Strauss family to a wider audience. The Vienna Strauss Orchestra has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1980, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Johann Strauss II's "Die Fledermaus." In 1991, the orchestra was awarded the Golden Medal of the City of Vienna, in recognition of its contributions to the city's cultural life. The Vienna Strauss Orchestra has had many talented musicians over the years, but some of its most notable members include violinist Rainer Küchl, who served as concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra before joining the Vienna Strauss Orchestra in 1981. Küchl has been a key member of the ensemble ever since, and he has also served as its conductor on occasion. Another important member of the Vienna Strauss Orchestra is harpist Anneleen Lenaerts, who joined the ensemble in 2010. Lenaerts is one of the world's leading harpists, and her virtuosic playing has added a new dimension to the orchestra's sound. In recent years, the Vienna Strauss Orchestra has continued to perform and record, under the direction of conductor and violinist Johannes Wildner. The ensemble's repertoire has expanded to include works by other composers of the Viennese waltz tradition, as well as pieces from the classical and romantic periods. Despite the passing of its founder, the Vienna Strauss Orchestra continues to be one of the most beloved and respected ensembles in the classical music world.

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