Vienna Nights

Classical music has many locations in Europe to which it can be tied: the cavernous cathedrals of Rome and Venice, Wagner's iconic opera house in Bayreuth, the concert halls of Salzburg - but at the mention of the city of Vienna, many classical music-lovers' minds begin to fill with images of grand balls, massive crystal chandeliers, elaborate gowns worn by the sophisticated elite accompanied by Dukes, Barrons and other royal relations, all the while dancing and swaying to lilting waltzes and masterfully crafted suites, symphonies and operas. Even paintings of classical-era and romantic-era Vienna seem to burst with the music flowing through the city at that time.

Lawrence Golan will take listeners to this week's program on a tour through some of the the best historical Vienna has to offer including Mozart (his Vienna statue is pictured at left), Haydn, von Suppé and, of course, Strauss. As you listen, close your eyes, and imagine strolling through the courtyard of Habsburg's Palace while an orchestra performs for a royal celebration. Become fully engulfed in everything that made classical Vienna shine as a beacon of some of the greatest music in the world. By the time The Phoenix Symphony starts in on the two Strauss selections to close out the evening, you might just find it hard to stop yourself from waltzing down the aisles.