Valery Gergiev Plays At Schonbrunn With Vienna philharmonic

On May 24 the Schonbrunn Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic will take place for the fourth time - with free admission for the public. The annual concert has already become an event recognized around the world as a highpoint among Austria's cultural attractions. This largest open air classical music concert already looks back upon an impressive history: three concerts have been attended by a total of 250,000 people, and experienced by an additional 400 million television viewers world-wide.

This year's concert welcomes Russia to Europe, with the famous Russian conductor Valery Gergiev on the podium and a program including compositions of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. As every year, Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer will assume patronage over the concert as well as the Austrian Federal Government and the City of Vienna.

Valery Gergiev is Russia's most renowned contemporary conductor, being in great demand all over the world. In his country he is considered a hero for rescuing the famous Kirov theatre in St. Petersburg after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He has been the director of this opera house since 1988, which is now once again called the Mariinsky Theatre. Gergiev, who this year has also become principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, is proud of Russia's music heritage as part of the European cultural tradition.

The classical music summer open air event of the year will once again be broadcasted live by the Eurovision Network as well as by Austria's ORF 2, starting at 9:05 PM. - Vienna Philharmonic News