The Neujahrskonzert at the Schermerhorn
In 1995 Marion and Attila Glatz sought to reproduce the Neujahrskonzert in Canada and the United States. The concert is a Viennese tradition that they had grown up with in Austria and Hungary and is broadcast from the Goldener Saal (the Golden Hall) of the Musikverein in Vienna. It typically performs the works of the Strauss family—Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss and Eduard Strauss. Since 1985 this concert has been broadcast in the United States on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). However, due to the work of the Glatz’s, a similar concert is being performed at Schermerhorn Hall on January 3, 2020.
Uniquely, this concert is both local and cosmopolitan in conception, advertised as a “feast for the senses.” As the producers describe it:
“Salute to Vienna is not just a concert. Although the timeless overtures, waltzes, arias, and duets of Strauss and his contemporaries are given the spotlight, the sensory experience of the music-filled evening is enriched by visual elements, including intricate designs unique to each city hosting the concert. Based on the traditional floral design of Vienna’s long-standing Neujahrskonzert, each North American concert features elaborately constructed, one-of-a-kind floral arrangements crafted specifically for each production by local florists. These floral arrangements create a vibrant visual focal point to unify all of the elements of the production. In addition, the concert features stunning performances from internationally renowned ballroom dancers and members of highly regarded ballet companies, including the National Ballet of Hungary, Kiev-Aniko Ballet Company, and Europaballet St.Pölten. Thanks to these masterful performances, the universal language of music is punctuated by the visual language of dance, creating a veritable feast for the senses.”
With the close relationship between the Nashville Symphony and the Nashville Ballet we here in Music City are quite used to the enriching effects of interdisciplinary entertainments such as this…and what a way to ring in the New Year!
tickets available here.
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Joseph E. Morgan is a father of two, husband, teacher and recovering guitarist in Middle Tennessee.
