The year 2025 is all about a musical giant: Johann Strauss Sohn. The “Waltz King”, as he is affectionately known, would have celebrated his birthday this year. 200. Birthday Celebrated. His music, especially the world-famous waltzes, has shaped the classical music world for generations and is an integral part of Austrian culture. Hardly any other composer is as closely associated with the New Year’s Concert in Vienna as Johann Strauss II – a concert that captivates millions of people worldwide every year. But in the anniversary year 2025, it could feel like the New Year’s Concert is taking place all year round!
Johann Strauss Sohn: The “Waltz King”
Born on October 25, 1825 in Vienna, Johann Strauss son followed in the footsteps of his father, Johann Strauss Vater, who was already considered an important composer of dance music. But it was the son who revolutionized this tradition and made it world-famous. His waltzes such as “An der schönen blauen Donau“, “Kaiserwalzer“ or the operetta “Die Fledermaus“ are just a few examples of his rich oeuvre that have become firmly inscribed in our cultural memory.
With over 500 compositions, including waltzes, polkas, marches and operettas, Strauss conquered audiences all over the world. His works reflect the elegant and lively atmosphere of the Viennese bourgeoisie in the 19th century, but their timeless beauty still makes them relevant today.
A whole year of New Year’s concerts – Events 2025
The music world is planning numerous celebrations to mark the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II. Vienna will be the epicenter of the anniversary, but Strauss’ music will be celebrated worldwide. An overview of the highlights:
1. the Vienna New Year’s Concert 2025
Naturally, the Strauss year begins with the most famous concert in the world – the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert. Since 1939, this concert has been a tribute to the Strauss dynasty, especially Johann Strauss II. A particularly festive program is expected for 2025, which will certainly focus on Strauss’ greatest and best-known works. The waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” and the “Radetzky March” are indispensable classics.
2nd Strauss Festival and operetta season
Vienna, the composer’s hometown, will be celebrating for a whole year in 2025. In addition to the New Year’s Concert, there will be numerous open-air concerts, festivals and special performances of his operettas. The Vienna State Opera and the Theater an der Wien in particular are planning special performances of “Die Fledermaus” and other Strauss operettas.
3 Johann Strauss Museum and special exhibitions
The Johann Strauss Museum in Vienna is planning a major special exhibition that will not only shed light on the composer’s life and work, but also on the social and political circumstances of his time. How did Vienna, as the centre of music in the 19th century, shape the “Waltz King” and what influence did his music have on Viennese society and beyond? International museums and institutions will also be celebrating the anniversary with exhibitions and concerts.
4th International Strauss Year
The music of Johann Strauss Sohn is not only celebrated in Vienna. International orchestras from London to New York and Tokyo are planning concerts that focus on his works. In Japan in particular, where Viennese classical music and the waltz have a loyal following, major concerts will be held. Johann Strauss is also an icon of classical music in Asia.
Strauss’ influence: more than just waltzes
What makes Johann Strauss Sohn so special? His waltzes seem light and elegant, yet they are highly complex in their composition. The apparent lightness of the music carries a tremendous emotional depth – from joie de vivre to melancholy. His operettas are also considered masterpieces of musical satire and humor. Works such as “Die Fledermaus” or “Der Zigeunerbaron“ have not only musical but also literary value. They reflect the peculiarities of Viennese society and poke fun at people’s little weaknesses with subtle irony.
A timeless composer
In 2025, the music of Johann Strauss Sohn will be revived – and more than ever. His works have endured through the centuries and every year they captivate millions of people around the world, especially at the New Year’s Concert. But in 2025, his music will be omnipresent. The whole world will celebrate the life’s work of a man whose melodies embody joy, elegance and beauty.
His waltz “An der schönen blauen Donau” is more than just a piece of music – it is a sound that captures the soul of Vienna. A symbol of joie de vivre and optimism. A sound that stands the test of time and still moves us 200 years after Strauss’ birth.
