Strauss 220

On March 14, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory hosted the festive concert “Strauss 220,” dedicated to the anniversary of the renowned Austrian composer Johann Strauss the Elder. Works by the founder of the Strauss musical dynasty, as well as those of his famous sons, were performed by the State Kremlin Orchestra, conducted that evening by one of Russia’s most sought-after young conductors, Konstantin Chudovsky.

Johann Strauss the Elder was a celebrated Austrian composer, violinist, and conductor, a true genius of dance music who became an idol of his era. Known to his contemporaries as the “virtuoso demon,” he continued to draw sold-out audiences even during outbreaks of cholera. He was the originator of the image of the solo violinist-conductor that has become iconic today. Strauss performed with extraordinary virtuosity, at breathtaking speed and with tremendous temperament, invariably bringing audiences to a state of euphoria. Richard Wagner himself, after attending one of Strauss’s concerts, once wrote: “This demon of the Viennese musical folk spirit trembled at the beginning of every waltz like the Pythia on her tripod.” Strauss the Elder toured extensively throughout Europe, and his performances were sold out everywhere. Of the composer’s 250 works, more than half are magnificent waltzes that became jewels of Austrian music under the Strauss dynasty.

The State Kremlin Orchestra of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, with Konstantin Chudovsky as artistic director and principal conductor, comprises two ensembles: a symphony orchestra and a wind orchestra. Its repertoire includes a broad range of Russian and international classical works, compositions by contemporary composers, as well as popular music for wind ensembles in a variety of genres. Founded in 2019, the orchestra quickly established itself as one of the country’s leading musical ensembles. Its musicians include highly accomplished professionals with experience in Russia’s finest symphony orchestras, as well as young virtuosos, graduates of prestigious music institutions and winners of international competitions.

Konstantin Chudovsky’s repertoire includes more than 30 opera and ballet productions, as well as symphonic music. In 2020, he was appointed artistic director and principal conductor of the State Kremlin Orchestra. Since 2022, he has been a guest conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. He is a laureate of the Triumph Youth Award (2011).