The Peace Symphony

In the Peace Symphony, the artist Marko Marković examines the manifestation of power in public space and links it to the speculative idea of a peace symphony, a work that Johann Strauss (son) never composed. By artistically reinventing this never-written symphony, Marković interprets Strauss not only as a waltz king but also as a symbol of imperial elegance and cultural representation, posing the question: what would a peace symphony sound like today - in a world characterized by global conflicts, surveillance and a paradoxical alliance of control and commercial permissiveness?

OCT.opus 25

The team of artists that go by the name of God’s Entertainment will be depositing a huge octopus replica in the pond near the Karlsplatz to offer us a new interpretation of Strauss’ waltzes.

This artistic ersatz for an octopus, representing an intriguing symbiosis between Strauss and cultural studies expert Donna Haraway, is designed to give us a completely new perspective on the waltz as such, with lively and provocative interpretations opening up unprecedented emotional and intellectual vistas on the music of Johann Strauss. With the help of an array of supporting artists, Strauss himself will conducting OCT.opus 25 and dancing to his own music. On five weekends, the project will be electrifying its audiences with humour, temperament, concerts, performances and dinners.