ORF Celebrates Johann Strauss Sohn’s 200th Birthday with Extensive Programming
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A comprehensive series of events, culminating on October 25, 2025, will mark the bicentennial of Johann Strauss Sohn, the “Waltz King,” with a special focus on his life, music, and the women who shaped his legacy. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) has dedicated a year-long anniversary focus, reaching its peak with a three-part evening on October 24th and continuing with two days of opulent programming on ORF III and Ö1.
The ORF’s celebration begins on Friday, October 24th, with a deep dive into the composer’s personal and professional life. The evening’s programming, broadcast on ORF 2 and ORF ON, will reveal the complexities of Strauss’s character and the often-overlooked influences that fueled his success. It will explore the dynamics and personal struggles that defined his journey.
According to the production notes, Strauss’s success was inextricably linked to the support and influence of the women around him. His mother,Anna,actively fostered his rivalry with his father,strategically managing the family business. His first wife, known as “Jetty,” was instrumental in building his international network and achieving global recognition. Marie Geistinger, a prima donna and later co-director of the Theater an der Wien, served as a mentor and interpreter, significantly contributing to his operetta success. Even his third wife, Adele, played a crucial role in preserving his musical legacy for future generations.
The documentary features insights from Austrian musicologist Günter Stummvoll, who has been researching Strauss as 2020, alongside interviews with experts such as Stefan Frey, Thomas Aigner, Susanne Wolf, and Melanie Unseld. The perspective of a descendant of Strauss’s brother, Eduard Strauss, and personal anecdotes from Bernhard Paul, director of the Roncalli Circus Theater, who shares his collection of Strauss memorabilia, further enrich the narrative.
A Fresh Take on a Classic: “Die Fledermaus”
Following the documentary, at 9:25 p.m., ORF 2 will broadcast a new production of Strauss’s beloved operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” from the MusikTheater an der Wien. This production, directed by artistic director Stefan Herheim, promises a contemporary reimagining of the 1874 classic.
“Die Fledermaus” is celebrated for its boundary-breaking nature, blurring the lines between different theatrical traditions and social classes.The production features the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, led by chief conductor Petr Popelka, and the Arnold Schoenberg Choir under the direction of erwin Ortner. The cast includes Thomas Blondelle as Eisenstein, Hulkar Sabirova as Rosalinde, Jana Kurucová as Prince Orlofsky, Alina Wunderlin as Adele, and Alexander Strobele as Frosch. A live broadcast of the production’s dernière will also air on Ö1 Klassik-Treffpunkt on October 25th at 10:05 a.m.
The Enduring Legacy of the Strauss Dynasty: “Vienna Dances”
Rounding out the evening, at 12:05 a.m., ORF ON will present “Vienna Dances – the Music of the Strauss family,” a documentary by Karina Fibich and Norman Vaughan. this film explores the enduring appeal and timeless meaning of the works of Johann Strauss Father, Johann Strauss Son, Josef Strauss, and Eduard Strauss.
The documentary traces the music’s journey from the grand New Year’s concerts in Vienna to modern interpretations, even exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in reimagining the Strauss sound. Musicians, researchers, and the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra contribute to a comprehensive examination of the dynasty’s musical impact.
The ORF’s Strauss focus will continue on Saturday, October 25th, with further programming on ORF III and Ö1. Complete details are available at presse.ORF.at and oe1.ORF.at/johannstrauss. This extensive celebration promises a captivating exploration of the life and music of a composer who continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
