First Headliner Announced for Vienna Danube Island Festival 2025
Anyone who thought they would be safe from the omnipresent Johann Strauss at least at the Danube Island Festival was mistaken: Even at the gigantic open-air festival, the anniversary celebrant cannot be missed, albeit in a not quite conventional edition. Under the label Red Bull Symphonic and with Christian Kolonovits at the helm of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, there will be a mashup of Strauss and the Drum & Bass duo Camo & Krooked on the FM4 stage.
Headliner at the Vienna Danube Island Festival 2025
The one-hour project, which kicks off on June 20, was presented on Thursday at the Vienna Reaktor. "This brings great unrest to our workflow and is a big challenge," emphasized Camo, highlighting that the project is taken very seriously: "We already have Strauss in bed with us and dream of him." Buddy Krooked also used an amorous metaphor: "Our approach is to marry Johann Strauss's numbers with our numbers."
The combination of Strauss and Camo & Krooked was not obvious, noted Christian Kolonovits: "They have nothing to do with each other - that's what made it so exciting." After all, most of the Drum & Bass masters' numbers are written in minor, while Strauss's are usually in major. And yet there is a common ground where they can meet: "It is and remains dance music on both sides."
Would the Danube Island Festival have been something for Strauss?
In any case, the marriage of Strauss and DIF is absolutely imperative for those responsible. "If there had been a Donauinselfest in Johann Strauss' time, he would have performed there, as he was a hit in his time," Susanne Schicker from the Vienna Cultural Service Association, one of the co-organizers, was convinced.
At the same time, the location offers an incredible opportunity for Strauss promotion. "Strauss is, of course, a well-known name for many people - but not for everyone. And probably not for many who come to the Donauinselfest," emphasized Strauss Festival Year Director Roland Geyer in the search for new target groups.
Donauinselfest - Or Rather Vienna Concert Hall?
For those who do not consider themselves part of the Donauinselfest target group and do not wish to experience the new Strauss sounds under open-air conditions, there is another chance to hear an Extended Version at the Concert Hall on September 18 and 19. Extended by half an hour, the project will be presented again under guaranteed dry conditions - however, with an admission fee. Unless you listen to the live broadcast on FM4 on June 18.
(APA/Red)
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