The Classical Operetta Ensemble of Vienna consists of predominantly Austrian vocal soloists, who are also internationally successful. The ensemble, which has its roots in the Johann Strauss Society of Vienna, was founded by Peter Widholz in 1996 at the request of Franz Mailer, the then president of the Society, who was well-known for his advisory work regarding the programme of the New Year’s Concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The idea behind it was to maintain the genre of the classical Viennese operetta by performing high quality concerts with particular emphasis on the revival of less known or unfairly forgotten works of this valuable musical genre.

The ensemble’s high artistic level led to a cooperation with internationally renowned Austrian conductors specialising in the field of Viennese dance and operetta music. Performances with Franz Bauer-Theussl,Leopold Großmann and Bernhard Heher have been enthusiastically applauded.

Impressed by the ensemble’s artistic achievements an increasing number of public and private sponsors helped to render larger projects such as  orchestra concerts and complete operettas as well as guest performances abroad possible. In addition, the outstanding vocal and musical presentations of the performers prompted internationally renowned opera stars to work together with them.

In 2003, the first CD of the Classical Operetta Ensemble of Vienna was released; it was the world‘s first complete recording of the operetta „Rund um die Liebe“ by Oscar Strauss.

The ensemble enjoys special recognition because of their constant endeavour to  preserve and pass down the traditional, original Viennese interpretation of operetta music. Consequently, further CD recordings are being planned.

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