All articles related to Opera

Famous Austrians

Who doesn't know them, Austria's 'great' sons and daughters? They have left their mark all across the centuries in politics, art, science and sport. Find out which famous personalities originated from the country at the heart of Europe, or chose it as the center of their life and creative work.

Suppé, Franz von (1819 - 1895)

Franz von Suppé or Francesco Suppé Demelli was an Austrian composer of light operas. He was composer and conductor of the Romantic period and is notable for his four dozen operettas.

Strauß, Johann (1825 - 1899)

Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and a ballet. In his lifetime, he was known as "The Waltz King.

Strauß, Johann - Father (1804 - 1849)

Johann Strauss I was born in Vienna, was an Austrian Romantic composer and was famous for his waltzes. His most famous piece is the Radetzky March (named after Joseph Radetzky von Radetz), while his most famous waltz is probably the Lorelei Rheinklänge, Op. 154.

Schubert, Franz (1797 - 1828)

Franz Schubert was an vienniese composer, who composed his first pieces in his childhood.

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756 - 1791)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- one of the greatest composer of all times. He created his own distinctive style with blending traditional and contemporary together.

Mahler, Gustav (1860 - 1911)

Gustav Mahler was born into a poor Jewish family in the town of Kalište in Bohemia on 7th July 1860. Mahler's considerable musical talents, which he employed both as composer and conductor, were surpassed only by his ambition.

From Choirboy to Conductor

Joseph Haydn was born on March 31st, 1732, in Rohrau (Lower Austria), the second of twelve children of a coach-builder and a cook. His musical talent already became clear at a very early age.

In the Services of Esterházy

In 1761 Haydn made a lucky career move: he entered the services of the rich Esterházy family in Eisenstadt. The Esterházy family was one of the richest and most influential within the Austro-Hungarian empire.

A Star in Great Britain

In 1790 Prince Nikolaus I. died. His successor showed no interest in music and within a few days disbanded the orchestra and choir and granted Haydn an annual pension. Mozart expressed reservations that Haydn did not even speak English, he said: “My music is understood in all the world!”

The Oeuvre of the Master

Haydn is traditionally considered the “Father" of the classical symphony and string quartet, and an innovator in the composition of piano sonatas and piano trios.

Festivals For All Senses

Austria’s diverse cultural offerings include over 200 festivals, stretching from world scale events to small regional gatherings. Many of them make use of Austria’s beautiful surroundings, and most of them offer an outstanding culinary menu to accompany the cultural experience.

A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Celebrate Gustav Klimt's 150th Birthday in Vienna, choose from over 200 festivals, or visit one of the world's most important museum collections. Experience the diversity of Austria's art and culture.

Austria's Top Events

Austria and culture are an inseparable unit, and the cultural programme is accordingly packed to the brim. Here is a selection of this year's top events that should undoubtedly not be missed when visiting Austria.

Salzburger Festspiele

First held in 1920, the Salzburg Festival is one of the cultural highlights of the year. Alongside the regular residency of the Vienna Philharmonic, musicians and ensembles of the highest calibre fill the alpine city with music and drama.

Bregenzer Festspiele

Bregenz is different. An opera festival with two stages: a traditional opera house, home to less-known operas, and an open-air lakeside stage, where productions are held in the most spectacular fashion.

10.07.2013 - 25.08.2013 - St. Margarethen

Operafestival St. Margarethen

An old Roman quarry is the setting for this exciting summer festival. The main opera of 2013 will be Giacomo Puccini's masterpiece "La Bohème".

Kálmán, Emmerich (1882 - 1953)