200 Years of Strauss – A Quartet Tribute
Images: Theresa Pewal
October 21 | 6:30 PM
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN DUE COURSE
2025 marks the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the beloved “Waltz King”, whose music captures the heart of Vienna. To celebrate, the Johann Strauss Quartet presents a festive evening of his most iconic works, reimagined in the intimate setting of a string quartet. Enjoy timeless favorites like The Blue Danube, Voices of Spring, and Viennese Blood, along with delightful surprises. The Vienna-based ensemble of four outstanding musicians brings new energy and elegance to Strauss’s unforgettable melodies. Don’t miss this special tribute to a composer whose music continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
About the Concert
In 2025, the world celebrates the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II. To honor this occasion, the Johann Strauss Quartet presents a sparkling evening of music that pays tribute to the master of dance, charm, and elegance. This anniversary concert offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the brilliance of Strauss’s music in its most refined form, performed by a string quartet. The Johann Strauss Quartet is made up of four outstanding musicians based in Vienna, united by their shared passion for the music of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. In addition to regular performances across Austria, the ensemble recently completed its debut concert tour in Japan.
Concert Program
About the Artists
Lukas Medlam – Violin
British-Austrian violinist Lukas Medlam grew up in a musical household and developed a love for Austrian salon music early on. After studying physics at Imperial College London, he moved to Vienna to pursue violin performance. There, he joined several chamber ensembles and focused on Viennese repertoire. Lukas has performed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, toured China and Brazil, and brought Strauss-era music to audiences worldwide, including on Mediterranean cruise ships with his string quartet.
Joen Mikkel Simonsen – Violin
Danish-born Joen Mikkel Simonsen moved to Vienna for his musical studies and soon discovered his passion for salon music. Holding degrees in performance and pedagogy, he now plays a central role in Viennese ensembles, often as concertmaster. He is a member of the Salonorchester Alt Wien and the Carl-Michael-Ziehrer Orchestra and has appeared on numerous recordings. Joen Mikkel has also performed with major orchestras including the Vienna Symphony and the Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna.
Stephanie Drach – Viola
Vienna-born violist Stephanie Drach began on violin before switching to viola and studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. A passionate chamber musician, she earned several international awards and regularly performs with the Tonkünstler Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and Volksoper Vienna. Having grown up singing salon music classics with the Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen choir, Stephanie now shares the charm of Viennese salon music on tours across Europe and Asia.
Tristan Feichtner – Cello
Cellist Tristan Feichtner, raised in Vienna, studied under Robert Nagy and Stefan Kropfitsch at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, graduating with distinction. A dedicated chamber and orchestral musician, he regularly performs with the Tonkünstler Orchestra and Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Tristan is a member of the Strauss Capelle and Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and has toured internationally, including recent performances in Africa, sharing his lifelong passion for Viennese salon music.