Photo gallery: How to throw a party – the Wiener Staatsoper at 150

Musn't let the scenery get in the way of a good party

Need some muscle to shift that scenery

Heave ho, boys

OK, we're clear and the backdrop is ready

There's a hole in that stage!

The floor is rising

The tables are in place!

So bring in the wine...

May the festivities begin

Let there be cake!

By David Karlin, 17 July 2019

Loading, please wait...

Chanda VanderHart, 6th March

Chanda VanderHart talks to the American tenor about his Tristan debut at the Met, his love for Vienna and Otto Schenk, and the incredible scope of his repertoire.

Bachtrack top ten: Johann Strauss II in Vienna

Mark Pullinger & Elisabeth Schwarz, 17th October

Take a guided tour in 3/4 time through Vienna as Mark and Elisabeth visit some of the key Strauss locations in the city.

Elena Stikhina on Salzburg, Tosca and the reality of life as a singer

Isabella Steppan, 19th September

Soprano Elena Stikhina is in demand at the world's major opera houses. Isabella Steppan meets her in Salzburg to discuss the role of Tosca – which she is currently singing in Amsterdam and Vienna – and the reality of life as an opera singer.

Taking another fearless leap: Sonya Yoncheva

Mark Pullinger, 21st March

“I don't fear anything!” Sonya Yoncheva discusses her career, from leaping from the Castel Sant’Angelo as Tosca to preparing a new Iolanta in Vienna, and setting up her own production company.

Opera Europa: a Viennese perspective

Elisabeth Schwarz, 15th May

Despite a comparably small population of two million, the seats of the three big opera houses in Vienna are filled to capacity. How? We find out at the Opera Europa Spring Conference taking place in Vienna.

“Music is the most living art form”: Pablo Heras-Casado

Isabella Steppan, 11th January

The Spanish conductor talks to Isabella Steppan about his plans in Vienna and Bayreuth, as well as items left on his personal bucket list.

David Karlin

David is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.