Summer Concert In The Park

     Every year, Lewis and I gleefully watch the broadcasted Summer Concert in Vienna.  They began in 2004.  Year after year, it's awesomely beautiful.  So much detail, logistics, creativity, coordination, teamwork, technology, and decorating goes into each annual performance.  Despite the obvious cost, the concert is free, as a way for Austrians to foster a love of classical music.  

     It takes place at the Schloss Schönbrunn: the Imperial Summer Palace of the former Austrian monarchy.  Begun in 1638, the Rococo palace and gardens took its current form in 1750.  Since 1779, its parklike gardens were open to the public.  The estate is now a museum, public park, and vineyard.  It's the site of Easter festivals, summer horse/carriage rides, autumn festivals, and Christmas markets.

     Lewis and I admire how the historic compound is used to beautify public life.

     Amidst the gardens, the area behind the palace is used to host the yearly concert.  

On the evening of the open-air performance, crowds happily fill the entire area, going beyond the Neptune Fountain...

...and uphill to the Gloriette.

It has a commanding view of the whole scene.  For the show, its reflecting pool is prettily lined with flaming torches.

     To present the concert, impressive amounts of infrastructure and design are implemented efficiently.  An enclosed stage--with piano elevator--is erected.  

They even install shades that can be drawn, so the musicians can rehearse during daylight.

Look at the pictures above and below and admire the stage.

All of that effort equals a perfect performance!

     Giant video screens, floodlights, spotlights, stage lighting, microphones, and speakers are positioned so that thousands of guests can hear/see the performance.  The concert is videotaped/broadcast, so camera stations and elevated cameras are arranged.  It certainly outclasses the summer concerts in Central Park by the pricier New York Philharmonic.

     The illumination of the buildings, gardens, and fountains is gorgeous... often changing hues to fit the mood of the music.

     With such splendidness around them, guests have picnics on the lawn, uncork wine, and dance--especially when the orchestra plays a Strauss waltz.

     Founded in 1842, the Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) offers a repertoire of classical/popular music.  (Lewis and I always watch their New Year's Day concerts, too).  For the festive occasion, they are attired in "white tie and tails".

     Often upbeat, the songs are led by famous "guest conductors" from around the globe.  Esteemed instrumentalists from different parts of the world join the orchestra, too.

      Such a free gift to humanity is a harmoniously beautiful thing to see.  When we live in Europe, Lewis and I intend to attend a few of those summery concerts!  There is nothing compared to live music.