The Palais Auersperg in Vienna has been a venue for musical excellence for centuries. As early as the 18th century, princes, nobles and musicians gathered here for lavish celebrations, where music always took centre stage. These celebrations were often influenced by the beginnings of Viennese dance culture and the Viennese waltz. Today, this tradition is continued in the Imperial Gala Concert – the only concert series that takes place exclusively in the historic halls of the palace.
In this magnificent setting, the masterpieces of the composers who made Vienna the world capital of music – and who all left their mark on the Palais Auersperg – are performed: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Pachelbel and many other musical greats of the time.
Mozart is inextricably linked with Vienna. In 1786, he conducted the Viennese premiere of his opera Idomeneo at the Palais Auersperg – an event that made music history.
Well-known works in the concert programme:
No composer embodies Vienna as much as Johann Strauss (son). He made the city immortal with the Blue Danube Waltz. As the Waltz King, he elevated the Viennese waltz from simple dance music to an art form that continues to thrill the world to this day. His lively waltzes, polkas and marches also found a festive home at the Palais Auersperg.
Well-known works in the concert programme:
Vivaldi, the “red priest” from Venice, spent the last years of his life in Vienna. His music, especially The Four Seasons, continues to delight audiences at the Palais Auersperg to this day.
Well-known works in the concert programme:
At the beginning of the 20th century, Franz Lehár brought a new sound to the world of Viennese operetta – a fusion of waltzes, esprit and subtle melancholy. His music combines elegance, emotion and a smile that became the signature of the golden age of operetta. Particularly popular is the aria ‘Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß’ (My lips, they kiss so hotly) from Giuditta: a sparkling highlight in which passion and grace combine to create timeless beauty.
Well-known works in the concert programme:
With Ludwig van Beethoven, the musical revolution arrives at the Palais Auersperg. His works combine passion, depth and artistic freedom – symbolising the transition from classical to romantic music. The concert features his legendary 5th Symphony, whose famous ‘fate motif’ is one of the most impressive sounds in music history.
Well-known works in the concert programme:
As one of the most important composers of the Baroque period, Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) is world-famous for one work in particular: the Canon in D major. This composition, one of the most frequently performed pieces in music history, combines harmonic simplicity with emotional depth.
The Canon in D major is one of the special moments of the Imperial Gala Concert – a work that rounds off the evening with solemn dignity.
The Imperial Gala Concert at the Palais Auersperg is an extraordinary journey back in time to the imperial era – Vienna’s imperial epoch: it is the only concert series performed in this baroque jewel. The best of classical music performed by Vienna’s finest musicians. Vienna’s rich musical history, from the genius Mozart to the Waltz King Strauss, is celebrated and revived in this unique setting.
Culinary delights and musical excellence merge into an overall experience that is only possible at the Palais Auersperg.
