True Viennese Classics

The Salonorchester Alt-Wien

For the love of music

FOUNDED IN 1999 BY JOSIP SUSNJARA AND PROFESSOR UDO ZWÖLFER

The authenticity of our concerts originates from the unique musical and artistic setup brought to you by the Salonorchester Alt-Wien which was founded in 1999 by Josip Susnjara and Prof. Udo Zwölfer. Just like in Johann Strauss and Josef Lanner days, the melodic guidance is taken over by the position of the first violin and brings the music, the musicians and the audience together. We are proud that our Salonorchester Alt-Wien carries on the tradition of this “musical dialogue“ creating a unique atmosphere for everyone.

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About the Salonorchester Alt-Wien

The Salonorchester Alt-Wien was founded in 1999 by Mr. Josip Susnjara as CEO and Prof. Udo Zwölfer as the artistic director. Zwölfer, the longstanding concert master of the orchestra of the Wiener Volksoper liaises with excellent and enthusiastic musicians to interpret the music of the Strauss – Dynasty as well as its contemporaries, successors and Viennese classics in the form of the Salonorchestra with the highest possible authenticity.

Our Orchestra brings the best musicians together by combining different backgrounds: members of the best Viennese orchestras (Volksoper Wien, NÖ – Tonkünstlerorchester, Wiener Symphoniker, ORF – Symphonieorchester, Wiener Staatsoper, and Wiener Philharmoniker) and freelance musicians. Playing without a conductor and following the necessary intense interactivity of all the musicians, the Salonorchester Alt-Wien achieves its typical lively musical style full of differentiation, dynamics and joy of playing.

The Salonorchester in times of Strauss Family

A musical dialogue: An extraordinary setup for extraordinary music

As a form of instrumental ensemble, the “Salonorchester” originates from the bourgeois saloons and ballrooms of the 19^th century determining its focus on light entertaining music. Even though a Salonorchester may vary both in size and instruments there is one characteristic that makes this setup so unique – no conductor guides the musicians while performing.

The deliberate avoidance of a conductor creates a specific interaction – a dialogue – between the individual musicians. This produces an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere. As players listen to each other, they create a joyous vibe which fills the stage and spreads to the audience.

Bösendorfer & Johann Strauss

True Viennese music played by true Viennese instrument

As Strauss himself used to compose his own pieces on a concert grand of the Austrian piano manufacturer Bösendorfer, we are delighted and very proud to continue this tradition presenting you the excellent sound of the prestigious grand piano by Bösendorfer during our concerts.

Best rated experience by travelers

Mark_7169

100% recommend it to everyone including people like us who are not classic music lovers. Fantastic mix, little taster of everything; fun; slow music; singing; dancing. Thoroughly enjoyed it, unforgettable. Creme over a short visit to Vienna.

Richard B

Highlight of our trip. So great to see talented musicians, singers and ballet dancer perform in an intimate room in a famous concert hall. It was amazing, beautiful, funny and enchanting.

Timtam49

Came here 15 years ago and again last night. Still fabulous. This beautiful concert veneu where Johann Strauss performed many of his concerts has everything. A great restaurant, beautiful architecture and an amazing experience of classical music with ballet and operatic singing.

Mary

Excellent concert last night in the Kursalon. It surpassed all our expectations and it, together with the sumptious, delicious meal we had in the Das Johann Restaurant beforehand made it the highlight of our 3 day trip to Vienna. We would highly recommend it as a "must do" while visiting there. Seamus and Mary. Ireland.