Die Österreichischen Salonisten is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989 in Vienna, Austria. The group is known for its unique approach to classical music, which involves performing in the style of the salon music of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The ensemble has gained international recognition for its performances, which are characterized by their elegance, virtuosity, and charm. The founding members of Die Österreichischen Salonisten were violinist and artistic director Thomas Christian and pianist and arranger Christoph Pauli. The two musicians had met while studying at the Vienna Conservatory and shared a passion for the music of the salon era. They decided to form an ensemble that would specialize in this repertoire and bring it to a wider audience. The group's name, Die Österreichischen Salonisten, translates to "The Austrian Salonists" in English. This name reflects the ensemble's focus on the music that was played in the salons of Vienna and other European cities during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This music was often written for small ensembles and was intended to be performed in intimate settings, such as the homes of wealthy patrons. Die Österreichischen Salonisten quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic performances and their ability to bring the music of the salon era to life. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, and Emmerich Kálmán, as well as lesser-known composers of the era. The group's arrangements of these works are often based on original manuscripts and reflect the style and spirit of the time in which they were written. One of the highlights of Die Österreichischen Salonisten's career was their performance at the opening ceremony of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. The ensemble was chosen to represent Austria at the event and performed a program of music by Johann Strauss II and other composers of the salon era. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. In addition to their performance at the Winter Olympics, Die Österreichischen Salonisten have performed at many other prestigious venues and events around the world. These include the Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Lincoln Center in New York. The ensemble has also toured extensively in Europe, Asia, and North America, and has collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles. Die Österreichischen Salonisten have received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. These include the Echo Klassik award, which they won in 2001 for their album "Wiener Salonmusik," and the Grand Prix du Disque, which they won in 1997 for their album "Tanz-Gala." The ensemble has also been praised by critics for their ability to bring the music of the salon era to life and for their virtuosic performances. The main members of Die Österreichischen Salonisten have changed over the years, but the ensemble has always maintained a high level of musical excellence. In addition to Thomas Christian and Christoph Pauli, other notable members of the ensemble have included violinist Rainer Honeck, cellist Franz Bartolomey, and clarinetist Ernst Ottensamer. These musicians have all brought their own unique talents and perspectives to the ensemble, helping to keep its performances fresh and exciting.

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