by InTrieste
The esteemed Vienna Symphony Orchestra is set to make a grand appearance in Trieste in the spring of 2025, showcasing its celebrated artistry through a series of concerts from April 10th to 13th. The performances will take place under the distinguished baton of Maestro Petr Popelka, the orchestra’s principal conductor.
This highly anticipated event is a collaboration between the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia. Tickets for the concerts, promising an unparalleled musical experience, will go on sale on May 24th.
The festival, titled “Spring from Vienna: The Vienna Symphony Orchestra in Trieste,” represents a significant cultural exchange, merging the rich musical heritage of Vienna with Trieste’s vibrant artistic scene. This initiative not only enhances the region’s cultural offerings but also serves as a tribute to the ideals underpinning the GO!2025 – Nova Gorica and Gorizia, European Capitals of Culture 2025.
Announced during a press conference at the Politeama Rossetti on May 23rd, the event was introduced by Francesco Granbassi, President of the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Paolo Valerio, the theater’s director. Jan Nast, the Superintendent of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, detailed the concert program alongside Maestro Popelka. The announcement was attended by representatives from both regional and city institutions.
A Historic Bond Renewed
“The Politeama Rossetti was the first theater outside Austria where the Vienna Symphony Orchestra performed,” remarked Granbassi. “That performance on April 4th, 1902, marked Trieste as the first Italian city to host the orchestra, strengthening a bond that endures to this day. This new initiative not only celebrates our shared history but also looks forward to a future of continued cultural exchange.”
Jan Nast echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the festival’s role in bridging cultural ties. “Trieste has long held a special place in the hearts of many Viennese. Our Easter concert has been a beloved spring tradition for decades. As Vienna’s musical ambassadors, we aim to revitalize and reinterpret our shared history with Trieste, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Alpine-Danube-Adriatic region.”
Celebrating Milestones
The festival will also commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra’s founding. The final concert will be recorded and broadcast by Austrian state television, further highlighting the event’s significance.
Founded in 1900, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra has been at the forefront of musical excellence, combining tradition with modernity. Known for its premieres of landmark 20th-century compositions and its strong public engagement through events like concerts in Vienna’s Prater and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the orchestra continues to make classical music accessible to all. It regularly performs in prestigious concert halls worldwide and is the resident orchestra of the Bregenz Festival. The orchestra has been led by eminent conductors such as Wilhelm Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan, and Georges Prêtre.
A Program to Enthrall
The concerts in Trieste will feature a diverse and refined program. The series will begin on April 10th with a special event welcoming the orchestra to the city. On April 11th, attendees will enjoy an evening of Verdi and Wagner, with tenor Michael Spyres, soprano Sarah Wegener, and bass Georg Zeppenfeld as featured soloists.
The April 12th concert will present Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 “Prague” and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, featuring soprano Julia Kleiter. The festival will conclude on April 13th with a varied program including operetta favorites by Johann Strauss Jr., alongside works by Josef Strauss, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, and Schmidt.
Tickets, ranging from €25 to €139, will be available through the Politeama Rossetti Box Office, authorized sales points, and online at www.ilrossetti.vivaticket.it and www.ticketone.it. Discounts are offered for subscribers of the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Trieste Opera House, and members of the Trieste Concert Society and Chamber Music. A special package for all three concerts will also be available.
For further information, visit www.ilrossetti.it or call +39 040 359 3511.
