Viennese Advent

Experience the musical highlight of the pre‑Christmas season in the heart of Vienna, as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, led by chief conductor Petr Popelka, presents its spectacular Advent concert in the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This 2025 program, themed “Bohemian Christmas,” celebrates the most moving works of the Czech masters Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, and Josef Suk. Feel the swell of the orchestra and the soaring voices of soloists: soprano Katerina Kněžková, mezzo‑soprano Stepanka Pučálková, tenor Petr Nekoránek, tenor Adam Plachetka, bass‑baritone Robert Kovács on organ, as they bring to life classics from operas to sacred hymns. The evening will feature the enchanting lullaby from the opera *Hubička* (*The Kiss*) performed by Kateřina Kněžková, and the poignant arias of satirical operas. Supported by the Choral Society of the Society of Friends of Music under the direction of Johannes Prince, and joined by the Vienna Singverein and the Vienna Philharmonic, the concert becomes a magical tapestry where music and contemplation unite beneath the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings. The programme includes 6 Marches for four trumpets and timpani ZWV 212; 1st March, Jan Dismas Zelenka; Te Deum for soloists, two choirs and orchestra in D major ZWV 146; 1. Te Deum laudamus, Jan Dismas Zelenka; Suite from the soundtrack to the film *Tři oříšky pro Popelku* (*Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella*) op. 36 (arrangement: Jens Troester), Karel Svoboda; *Wiegenlied* from *Der Kuss*, Oper in 2 Acts Bedřich Smetana; *When my old mother taught me to sing* (*Als die alte Mutter sang*) from *Gypsy Melodies* op. 55 (Arrangement: Eirik Berge) Antonín Dvořák; *I am a beggar!* (*Ich bin ein Bettler!*) Kalina’s aria from the comic opera *The Secret* (*Das Geheimnis*) Bedřich Smetana; Biblical Songs for Voice and Organ, Op. 99 (Version for Orchestra), 4. *God is my Shepherd* Antonín Dvořák; 8 Preludes and Fugues for Organ B. 302, Fugue in G minor Antonín Dvořák; *When you see… How can you possibly believe* (*Armer Narr… Es muss gelingen*), Hans’s aria from the comic opera *The Bartered Bride* (*Die verkaufte Braut*) Bedřich Smetana; Te Deum for soloists, two choirs and orchestra in D major ZWV 146, 2. *Tu rex gloriae* Jan Dismas Zelenka; Te Deum for soloists, two choirs and orchestra in D major ZWV 146, 10. *In te Domine speravi* Jan Dismas Zelenka; *Moon in the Deep Sky* (*Lied an den Mond*), aria of the *Rusalka* from the lyrical fairy tale *Rusalka* op. 114 Antonín Dvořák; Biblical Songs for Voice and Organ, Op. 99 (Version for Orchestra), 6. *Turn to Me* Antonín Dvořák; Biblical Songs for Voice and Organ, Op. 99 (Version for Orchestra), 10. *Sing a New Song* Antonín Dvořák; 6 Piano Compositions op. 7, No. 1 *Song of Love* (*Liebeslied*) (Arrangement for Orchestra: Václav Smetáček) Joseph Suk; Mass for soloists, choir and orchestra in D major, Op. 86, 2nd Gloria Antonín Dvořák; *Narodil se Kristus Pán* (*Christ the Lord is born*) (Adaptation: Matthias Spindler) Anonymous. The grand finale will unite everyone in the choir’s rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” a breathtaking culmination that leaves the audience spellbound by the anticipation of Christmas. Get your tickets now!