Work of the Week – Johann Strauss: Wiener Blut

To mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss (Son), Wiener Blut (‘Viennese Blood’) returns to the stage in a fresh new production. On 10 August 2025, the curtain rises at the historic Schönbrunn Palace Theatre for a co-production between JOST25 and the Aalto-Musiktheater Essen. The performance is based on materials from the Strauss Edition Vienna of the Verlagsgruppe Herrmann publishers, exclusively available at Schott Music.

Romantic mix-up in imperial Vienna – A classic revived for the Strauss anniversary

The operetta centres on Count Zedlau, a civil servant torn between duty and desire. While his wife Gabriele prepares to leave him, he becomes entangled with the dancer Franzi – only to fall back in love with his own wife without recognising her. Confusion peaks at a lavish party where mistaken identities, hidden feelings, and Strauss’s beloved melodies come together.

Operetta at its finest – full of irresistible tunes

Wiener Blut blends some of Strauss’s most famous waltzes and polkas into a new stage work. Compiled posthumously from earlier compositions, the operetta premiered in 1899. Songs like “Grüß dich Gott, du liebes Nesterl” and the title waltz “Wiener Blut” capture the spirit of Vienna while poking fun at the excesses of its elite.

What makes this production special?

This new staging uses the anniversary as an opportunity to reinterpret a beloved operetta. Set against a historically rich backdrop, the mix of period sound, musical accuracy, and modern staging makes this a must-see for the Strauss year 2025.

We want your thoughts

What’s your take on bringing classic operettas into the present day? Share your views with us on social media – we’d love to hear from you!

Learn more

Johann Strauss: composer profile

Wiener Blut: work page and digital score

Event page at JOST25

_{photos: Gary, mRGB, Adobe Stock}