The fourth edition of the Johann Strauss Fest was held last night at Kotek Castle in Futog, a manifestation dedicated to the famous Austrian composer, conductor, and violinist Johann Strauss II, who performed his very first concert in Novi Sad. This year’s program was devoted to a special anniversary, the 200th birthday of the great master of the waltz
The Salon Orchestra Artisti del’Arco performed Strauss’s compositions, while the concertmaster, Florijan Balaž, guided the audience through the program. With engaging stories about Strauss’s life and work, Balaž enriched the overall musical experience. The concert featured some of Strauss’s most beloved pieces — The Blue Danube, Vienna Blood, Voices of Spring, Danube Waves, Trisch-Trasch Polka, Thunder and Lightning, Pizzicato Polka, and the Radetzky March.
The audience also enjoyed performances by Marina Bugar, Kristina Tokodi, Miroslav Tubić, and Mina Ćurčić, who brought to life the spirit of Viennese elegance and the opulent musical tradition of the 19th century.
Johann Strauss II first came to Novi Sad at the age of only 22, and the memories he carried from the city later inspired some of his most beautiful works. According to legend, it was right here in Futog, at Count Kotek’s Castle, that the idea for his most famous piece, The Blue Danube, was born.
The event was organized by The Best Fest Association, the Initiative for Regional Cooperation, and Color Media Communications, with the support of the Provincial Secretariat for Culture of AP Vojvodina, the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Regulations, Administration and National Minorities of AP Vojvodina, and the City Administration for Culture of Novi Sad.
