Salute to Vienna Stars' Strauss Favourites

Our singers and conductors pour their hearts into their performances on the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert stage, but which Johann Strauss Jr. works do they carry in their hearts after the final bows? As Strauss Jr.'s 200th birthday approaches, we asked 10 of our artists which of The Waltz King’s works they most love to perform or listen to. You may be surprised by the overall favourite.

Katarzyna Dondalska (Soprano): I love singing "Voices of Spring," and Adele's arias from Die Fledermaus, which I have performed frequently at Salute to Vienna concerts. I always have great fun performing Annen-Polka "Schwipslied." The audience loves it.

Sera Goesch (Soprano): I can answer without hesitation that the operetta is Die Fledermaus. There isn't a single moment in this work that isn't beautifully melodic. It's a piece I never tire of listening to and singing.

Brigitta Simon (Soprano):

I really like Strauss's operetta Die Fledermaus. One of my favorite arias is in this operetta: "Mein Herr Marquis." The character who sings it is Adele, the maid who dreams of a career as an actress. It was easy for me to identify with her, since her biggest dream and desire is to be on stage. I am very happy that I can perform this aria regularly at the Salute to Vienna concerts. I also really like the Rosen aus dem Süden Waltz. It is one of my favourite waltzes. For some reason it evokes a particularly romantic atmosphere for me.

Peggy Steiner (Soprano) & Michael Heim (Tenor): This is clearly Die Fledermaus for both of us. The two of us met at the Eutin Summer Festival while starring in Die Fledermaus. We fell in love and even got married five years later.

Gergely Boncsér (Tenor): I love to sing and also to listen to the duet from Zigeunerbaron. The first song in the second part is a really beautiful duet between Saffi and Barinkay.

Eric Fennell (Tenor): I think Die Fledermaus, because it’s a very balanced operetta. The comedy in there is very, very clever, and you have this wonderful high tenor role, which I’ve done a few times, called Alfred. He’s an Italian tenor and gets to sing Italian-style music even though the operetta is German. It also has one of the best overtures of all time. Easily recognizable everywhere. But I also love Wiener Blut.

Brian Cheney (Tenor): For me, it has to be The Blue Danube Waltz. It's absolute perfection.

Gregory Vajda (Conductor): The Fledermaus Overture takes it all! I have had the pleasure and the privilege to conduct the full operetta several times, and all I can tell you, it is right up there with the best musical theatre pieces.

Christoph Campestrini (Conductor): Johann Strauss’ music is always a joy to listen to! My favourites are the pieces not so often played, such as the Overture to A Night in Venice that we are performing this year. My memories of this music go way back to my childhood when my grandmother would sing these melodies to me.

As you enjoy Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert this year, watch for that extra-special bit of sparkle as these artists perform their favourite songs. And find some added joy in knowing the professional singers and conductors who are embellishing your New Year's with the beautiful music of Johann Strauss Jr. are doing so with passion and genuine love.