I booked this event weeks ago and have been looking forward to it ever since. Not only was the Kursalon on my bucket list, but the thought of going to a Strauss concert and listening to Strauss music being played where STRAUSS himself used to play his compositions… Bliss!
The website captures it perfectly: “In the very place where Johann Strauss himself used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin, the absolute essence of Vienna’s classical music can once again be heard daily. The Salonorchester Alt Wien, one of the best-known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with the lilting sound of waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists, Vienna’s classical music reveals itself as a living firework display for all the senses.”
…but first, as part of the full VIP evening I had booked, a four-course, fine-dining meal at das Johann – the beautiful restaurant within the Kursalon…
…and in to the concert hall…
Front row seats, of course… 🙂
It was interesting when the double bass player brought his instrument on stage, to see all the wear on the beautiful piece of craftsmanship…
The musicians were outstanding! …and I don’t ever recall seeing an ensemble have so much obvious enjoyment while they perform…
The music from just these thirteen people sounded like a full orchestra… Glorious!
The music evoked in me thoughts of ballrooms full of elegant women in Victorian-era gowns, and dashing men who would whirl them around the dance-floor…
Tonight I felt like a princess…
…and it seems almost sad to see the concert hall empty after two hours of euphonious delight… but the notes are still dancing in my heart…
~ Bella
PS: while collecting my coat from the cloakroom, there was a young man near me wearing a LSU cap. I looked at him and said, “Geaux Tigers!” He beamed and gave me a fist-bump! I think that means I did good… 🙂
[sidebar: I actually went to an LSU game at Tiger Stadium with friends who I think have lifetime tickets – and we were only a few rows back from the field. It was an incredible experience – including tailgating with them in their huge monster buses (yes, that is plural)… The only drawback – Alabama won…]
