On June 17, 2026, the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra (part of the Wiener Residenzorchester Veranstaltungs GesmbH since 2014) will place a very special focus on Wolfgang Amadé Mozart as part of its “Mozart & Strauss Concerts” series. The year 2026 is entirely dedicated to the genius: on this evening, the orchestra celebrates not only Mozart’s 270th birthday, but also the 245th anniversary of his “Viennese freedom”. A historic evening that celebrates the music city of Vienna.
Strauss & Mozart Concert on 17.06.2026
The Mozart Anniversary
Overview:
The Break with Salzburg: How Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Became a Rebel
In June 1781, Mozart permanently ended his service with his Salzburg employer, Prince-Archbishop Colloredo. The departure was legendary for its rudeness: the archiepiscopal High Steward, Count Arco, literally kicked the composer out the door. For Mozart, this rude eviction was the starting signal for a new life in Vienna. Without this radical step, his great Viennese operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, or The Magic Flute would not exist in their form today.
Living as a Free Spirit: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Golden Viennese Years
Sich im 18. Jahrhundert in Wien ohne festes Hofgehalt durchzuschlagen, war ein enormes wirtschaftliches Risiko. Mozart finanzierte sich fortan selbst durch Klavierunterricht, Kompositionsaufträge und eigens organisierte Konzerte. Wien bot ihm das passende bürgerliche Publikum und den nötigen Freiraum. In dieser Wiener Dekade (1781–1791) erreichte sein Schaffen den absoluten Höhepunkt.
Facts Beyond the Clichés: Brilliant and Extravagant
Expensive Taste: Mozart enjoyed Viennese life to the fullest. He spent a lot of money on expensive clothes – especially red coats with gold braiding – and was an enthusiastic billiard player. (Read more at Klassik Radio)
An Early Form of Crowdfunding: To finance his Viennese concerts, Mozart collected “subscribers” in advance (buyers who paid for admission ahead of time). Only when the list was full and the hall rent was covered did he perform the concert. (Learn more about the history of subscription)
Perfect Pitch and Love for Animals: As a child, Mozart despised the sound of trumpets. Later in Vienna, he kept a starling (bird) that could whistle the main theme of his 17th Piano Concerto. (The story can be read at NABU)
Das Konzert am 17. Juni 2026: Ein Abend für Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra brings this Viennese era to the stage. Under the direction of Daniel Auner, the ensemble presents a selection of works from Mozart’s Viennese years. The program is complemented by pieces from the Strauss family as well as melodies by Emmerich Kálmán and Franz Lehár.
Daniel Auner conducts the concert in the traditional Stehgeiger style (standing violinist) directly with the violin in his hand – a historical Viennese performance practice that he cultivates in his Caprice Viennois concert series with the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra.
Sources
– Klassik Radio (2024). Mozart’s Fashion Worlds: How did people cool off in the 18th century? klassikradio.de
– Wikipedia. History and significance of concert subscription in the music business. wikipedia.org
– NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union). The cultural-historical story of Mozart’s starling. nabu.de
The Vienna Residence Orchestra, a chamber orchestra with a long tradition, performs works of Viennese classical music to perfection.
