SALUTE TO VIENNA Performs at the Van Wezel 1/1/2012

Salute to Vienna returns for a 16th season on Jan. 1 2012 at 8 PM. Ring in the New Year with a fresh program inspired by Vienna's world famous "Neujahrskonzert." The performance features a new cast of over 75 musicians, stellar European singers & dancers in brilliant costumes, and a light hearted blend of popular Strauss waltzes, polkas & operetta pieces.

Kick off the New Year with Salute to Vienna, patterned after Vienna's "Neujahrskonzert," Vienna's New Year's Concert, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for over 70 years and televised annually to 1.3 billion people around the globe.

The delightful Salute to Vienna concert series has become a holiday musical tradition throughout North America. Over the past decade, STV has grown into the largest concert series of its kind because of its unique tradition. This year it will be simultaneously produced as a series, inspiring diehard romantics all over North America, in 20 cities, including Sarasota.

Always a festive event, it is performed live by a brilliant cast of 75 musicians. This New Year The Strauss Symphony of America will be led by Viennese Maestro Peter Sommerer, Hungarian soprano Mónika Fischl, Hungarian tenor Dániel Vadász along with dancers from Ballet St. Pölten. A wonderful way to celebrate the joy and hope the New Year brings, the concert features favourite Strauss waltzes, polkas and famous operetta pieces. This is a New Year's tradition the whole family can enjoy!

Tickets prices range from $32.10-$73.83. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941)953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Sponsored by WSMR 89.1