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Helga Papouschek

 

In the year of its 90^th anniversary, the Johann Strauss Society once again offered a new premiere at the award presentation of the “Golden Johann Strauss”.  Although this was the 13^th time the distinction had been conferred, it was the first time it went to a soubrette: Helga Papouschek, by far the most popular and successful Viennese soubrette of the second half of the 20^th century. She appeared on the stage of the Vienna Volksoper nearly 2000 times, performing all the major roles in her repertoire. Her numerous appearances in stage and television productions also brought her international acclaim. Her portrayal of Pepi in Wiener Blut (Viennese Blood) set a benchmark that no other soubrette has matched to this day. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Helga Papouschek was presented with the “Golden Johann Strauss” on 27^th July 2026 at the Marchfelderhof in Deutsch-Wagram, during a gala dinner that has by now become a cherished tradition.

The ceremony was attended by many distinguished friends, fellow performers and admirers of the actress, including Kammersänger Heinz Zednik (2016 award recipient), Prof. Werner Resel (2018 award recipient), Univ. Prof. Rainer Küchl (2022 award recipient), and Kammerschauspielerin Marianne Nentwich, doyenne of the Theater in der Josefstadt. Other prominent figures from the acting world included Ulli Fessl and Gerhard Ernst of Vienna’s Burgtheater, as well as Edith Leyrer and Marcus and Leila Strahl. Among the other guests were Volksoper tenor Carsten Süß, former President of the Austrian National Council, and former Federal Minister Dr. Werner Fasslabend, Hans Arsenovic, Vice President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, Toni Faber, the popular provost of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Trixi Schuba, former two-time European and World Champion, Olympic figure-skating champion in 1972, and the internationally acclaimed Austrian illusionist Magic Christian.

The musical programme was provided by the Deutsch-Wagram Brass Band, the Johann Strauss JSG Konzert Schrammeln, soprano Helga Graczoll, and Gerhard Ernst, both of whom were Helga Papouschek’s colleagues at the Vienna Volksoper. They were accompanied on the piano by Prof. Margit Fussi.

As a special surprise, the award recipient was also honoured with a musical tribute following the laudatory speech and the ceremonial presentation of the Golden Johann Strauss. For the first time since 2016, President Prof. Mag. Peter Widholz complemented his spoken tribute with a performance of his own. He sang the tenor song “Zwei Märchenaugen” from Emmerich Kálmán’s „The Circus Princess”, using lyrics he had specially adapted for the occasion and dedicated to the award recipient. He then presented the visibly moved Helga Papouschek with the personalized text, including a personal dedication (see cover photo: Helga Papouschek holding the lyrics and a handkerchief). The celebration ended on a particularly festive note with a huge birthday cake, as Helga Papouschek was also celebrating her 85^th birthday that day.

Excerpts from Press Coverage

“Gold for a Grande Dame… She trained in acting and singing and has appeared in more than 50 television shows in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in numerous feature films and film adaptations of operettas. She was also made an honorary member of the Vienna Volksoper. The actress has now received a very special distinction at the Marchfelderhof, where she was presented with the Golden Johann Strauss” 
(Kurier,29 July 2026)

“When Helga Papouschek arrived at the  Marchfelderhof on 7^th July in a vintage convertible, it was immediately clear that this was going to be a very special evening…. The evening was entirely devoted to the celebrated actress. Amid standing ovations, Papouschek accepted the Golden Johann Strauss – a highly coveted honorary award that has long been known in cultural circles as the “Waltz Oscar” honouring personalities who help keep the musical legacy of the “King of Waltzes” alive.
(Heute , 28 July 2026)

“Waltz Oscar for the Volksoper Soubrette. While Jedermann is currently taking centre stage at the Salzburg Festival, the motto at the Marchfelderhof was “Alles Walzer!” For the 13^th time, the Johann Strauss Society of Vienna presented the Golden Johann Strauss, one of Austria’s most prestigious cultural awards.”
(Wiener Bezirksblatt, 29 July 2026)

“Alongside the trophy itself, Papouschek was also honoured with a marble commemorative plaque, which now adorns the façade of the Marchfelderhof.”
(Leadersnet, July 28, 2026)

“Following the ceremonial unveiling of a marble commemorative plaque, the JSG Konzert Schrammeln entertained the guests with some of the waltz king’s most beloved melodies. A festive five-course gala dinner – ranging from exquisite mango-avocado tartare and an aromatic tomato soup to melt-in-the-mouth braised ox cheeks – accompanied by Weinviertel wines from Katharina Baumgartner, rouded off the magnificent evening.”
(MeinBezirk, July 29, 2026)

With the “Schwipslied”, the famous vocal number set to the music of the “Annen – Polka, Op.117, which was incorporated into Johann Strauss’s operetta “A Night in Venice”, former Vienna Volksoper soprano Helga Graczoll captivated the audience. Lively, coquettish, charming and infectious, she gave a delightful performance of this much-loved Strauss favourite, accompanied with great assurance on the piano by Margit Fussi. As a musical tribute, Peter Widholz performed the world-famous tenor aria “Zwei Märchenaugen” from Emmerich Kálmán’s operetta “The Circus Princess”. With outstanding vocal command, charm, interpretative authenticity, keen musical intelligence and a commanding stage presence, Peter Widholz proved to be an exceptional musical laureate. Gerhard Ernst then impressed the audience with “In einem kleinen Café in Hernals” by Hermann Leopoldi, followed by his portrayal of Alfred Doolittle in “Hei, heute Morgen mach’ ich Hochzeit!” from the world-famous musical “My Fair Lady” by Frederick Loewe and Alan J. Lerner. Combining theatrical finesse with charisma and a skilful interplay of spoken dialogue and song, he delivered a thoroughly captivating performance. Throughout, he was sensitively  accompanied on the piano by Margit Fussi.”
(Online Merker, July 31, 2026, and the September issue of “ Der Neue Merker”)

 “An evening of exquisite brilliance and exceptional  excellence!”
(Klassik begeistert, July 31, 2026)

 

Television Coverage

In addition to ORF, TV  21 also produced a filmed report on the festivity. Please click on the following link:

 

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