Danube Waltz becomes intergalactic: Live event in Vienna on May 31st!

Danube Waltz becomes intergalactic: Live event in Vienna on May 31st!

On May 31, 2025, a very special event will take place in Vienna: the public viewing of the “Waltz into Space” concert by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Organized by WienTourismus, the event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Herrmann beach bar on the Danube Canal, where music lovers come together to experience Johann Strauss Sohn's Danube Waltz live at 9:30 p.m. There is no ticket price for entry, so anyone interested can take part and enjoy the atmosphere.

A highlight of the evening will be that the performance will be sent into space in real time as an electromagnetic wave. This is done via the ESA Deep Space Antenna DSA 2 in Cebreros, Spain. The broadcast will be able to be followed worldwide not only in Vienna, but also in cities such as New York and Madrid and online via the WienTourismus website (space.wien.info) and Instagram (@vienna). This corrects a historical omission in space travel history: The Danube Waltz was not included on the Voyager Golden Record in 1977, which is now being made up for.

An interstellar concert with light choreography

For the musical performance at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), the Vienna Symphony Orchestra will be on stage under the direction of chief conductor Petr Popelka. The Danube Waltz is accompanied by an impressive light choreography with Kinetic Lights, staged by Bode Brodmüller. This event will offer an unforgettable experience not only musically but also visually.

The participants of the event have the opportunity to act as intergalactic ambassadors. Anyone can connect to one of 13,743 notes of the Danube Waltz and participate in the mission as a “SpaceNote Ambassador,” adding another interactive aspect to the event.

Celebrations around Johann Strauss

The “Waltz into Space” concert is part of the anniversary program that celebrates the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss’ son in 2025. This year, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra will not only perform the Danube Waltz, but will also stage numerous other works by Strauss as part of a variety of events. The first sounds of Johann Strauss will be heard on New Year's Eve after the Pummerin bells ring in St. Stephen's Cathedral; the Vienna Symphony Orchestra opened the year in the Vienna Konzerthaus under the direction of Petr Popelka.

Throughout the Strauss year, extensive collaboration with various cultural institutions and projects can be expected. Highlights include a concert performance of the operetta “Carnival in Rome” and the performance of “Die Fledermaus” at the MusikTheater an der Wien.

Norbert Kettner, Managing Director of WienTourismus, emphasizes the importance of the event and thanks the ESA and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra for their support. He invites the Viennese to experience this unique moment and celebrate Strauss' music together.

For everyone who cannot be there in person, there is the opportunity to follow the event via various live streams. The mission “Waltz into Space” highlights not only music, but also the effort to create a connection to the stars through art and culture.