Strauss: The Musical Legend Who Conquered the World with Waltzes and Innovations

Vienna's cultural manager Peter Hosek creates a revolutionary museum project that transforms classical music into a modern digital experience. His innovative concept breaks traditional museum exhibition perceptions by turning Johann Strauss's biography into an interactive journey.

"Our goal was to present the story in an accessible and emotional way," Hosek shares. The museum exhibition relies not on original artifacts, but on digital installations, translated documents, and voiced letters that come to life through professional actor interpretations.

A key element of the exhibition is the interactive "composition machine" which allows visitors to embody the role of a composer. Through this innovative approach, Hosek aims to bring the audience closer to Strauss's musical heritage by using modern technological solutions.

Parallel to the museum project, Hosek founded the Johann Strauss Virtuosen Orchestra – a formation that is part of the prestigious "Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra". Composed of leading European classical musicians, the orchestra embarks on a large-scale world tour to honor the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth.

The tour includes a series of concerts in different countries, with a special emphasis on six performances in Bulgaria. Hosek emphasizes the exceptional warmth and musical culture of the Bulgarian audience, which makes the tour particularly significant.

The repertoire covers both Strauss's most popular works – "The Beautiful Blue Danube", "Polka in the Tavern" and "Emperor's Waltz", as well as his lesser-known compositions. Each concert is conceived as a multi-layered narrative about musical heritage.

The concert schedule includes consecutive performances in Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Sofia, with the final concert to be held at the Military Academy.

Strauss, known as the "King of Waltz", is the author of over 500 musical works. His waltzes like "The Blue Danube" became so significant that during the post-war period they were performed as an unofficial anthem of Austria.

As a true pop star of the 19th century, the composer not only created music but also skillfully managed his public persona. His managers were his mother and wives, who built a true musical empire around him.

Hosek presents Strauss not just as a composer, but as a pioneer in musical marketing, who dedicated his waltzes to influential personalities to gain international recognition and spread his art.