Wreath laying ceremony for the ingenious brother of Johann Strauss at his grave of honour at the Vienna Central Cemetery

 

The wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Josef Strauss‘ death, scheduled for July 2020, had to be postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions. It took place on 22nd July 2021, the date of his death.

Numerous guests from home and abroad were present at the commemoration. Josef’s home town, Vienna, was officially represented by Peko Baxant, a member of the Vienna City Council ( on behalf of the Mayor of Vienna, Dr.Michael Ludwig, who was unable to attend due to a prior engagement) and by Brigadier Mag. Kurt Wagner, the Military Commander of Vienna.

The composer was honoured musically by the Vienna Guards Band under the baton of the Austrian Director of Army Music, Colonel Mag. Bernhard Heher. The  Strauss family was represented by Willy Strauss ( great grandson of Josef Strauss and head of the Strauss family, the only professional musician of the waltz king’s living descendants.He paid homage to his world-famous direct ancestor with an a capella serenade.

Speeches were given by Councillor Peko Baxant and President Widholz. The perfect summer weather was a gift from heaven. The memorial ceremony was intended not only to pay homage to this great musician, but also to show that Josef Strauss was an ingenious composer, even if he was not as famous as his brother Johann.

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