Vienna comes to Shanghai this winter with the world-renowned Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra, performing a dazzling New Year’s Concert under the baton of Austrian conductor Johannes Wildner. Expect a night filled with Strauss family classics — waltzes, polkas, and all the lush Viennese charm that defines the season.

• Conductor: Johannes Wildner
• Orchestra: Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra

The Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra is one of the most authentic ensembles performing the music of the Strauss family and other Viennese composers of the same era. Founded in 1966—almost 120 years after Johann Strauss I established the original Strauss Orchestra—it was created by musicians from the Austrian Radio Orchestra to continue Vienna’s light music tradition at the highest artistic level.

Comprising 42 musicians, the orchestra preserves the same ensemble size once preferred by the Strauss family. Its first major tour, led by Eduard Strauss II (the great-nephew of Johann Strauss II), took the group through the United States and Canada, retracing the steps of the historic Strauss Orchestra.

About the Conductor – Johannes Wildner

Austrian conductor Johannes Wildner is known for his elegant, expressive interpretations and deep musical insight. Since the 2019/20 season, he has served as Chief Conductor of the Sønderjyllands Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. He was formerly Professor of Conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and Artistic Director of the Austrian opera festival Oper Burg Gars.

He has recorded more than 100 albums and videos, featuring major operas and symphonic works such as Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Bizet’s Carmen, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. His recordings and performances are noted for their clarity, warmth, and devotion to musical authenticity.

Program

• Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus Overture
• Johann Strauss II: Leichtes Blut, Polka schnell, Op.319
• Josef Strauss: Frauenherz, Polka Mazur, Op.166
• Josef Strauss: Aquarellen, Waltz, Op.258
• Johann Strauss II: Unter Donner und Blitz, Polka schnell, Op.324
• Johann Strauss II: Wiener Blut, Waltz, Op.354

Intermission

• Johann Strauss II: Frühlingsstimmen, Waltz, Op.410
• Eduard Strauss: Bahn frei!, Polka schnell, Op.45
• Johann Strauss II: Künstler-Quadrille, Op.201
• Johann & Josef Strauss: Pizzicato Polka
• Johann Strauss II: Éljen a Magyar, Polka schnell, Op.332
• Johann Strauss II: Im Krapfenwaldl, Polka française, Op.336
• Johann Strauss II: An der schönen blauen Donau, Waltz, Op.314

Program is subject to change.