#Vienna #Austria #Auner Quartet #Alexander Zemlinsky #Musical Exile

Vienna's Bold Cultural Revival

As the world grapples with the echoes of its past, Vienna is stepping up to illuminate the works of composers who were unjustly silenced during one of the darkest chapters of history—Nazism. The renowned Auner Quartet is set to present a series of concerts titled "Jenseits vom tanzenden Wien" (Beyond the Dancing Vienna) at the prestigious Musikverein, inviting audiences to rediscover musical gems that were largely overshadowed by the more popular rhythms of the Strauss dynasty and, ultimately, pushed aside by an oppressive regime.

A Unique Concert Series

Starting from November 25, 2026, the Auner Quartet will perform four compelling concerts that pay homage to these neglected composers, each session framed within the poignant context of their exiles and struggles. This ambitious initiative has not only musical significance but also a humanistic connection, linking the stories of these artists who were deemed 'degenerate' and forced into exile.

Central to these performances is Alexander Zemlinsky (1871–1942), a pivotal figure who straddled the realms of late Romanticism and modernism. A teacher and brother-in-law to the famed composer Arnold Schönberg, Zemlinsky's contributions to music were profound, yet he ended his days in relative obscurity after fleeing to the United States in 1938. His works, which will resonate through each concert, serve as a chilling reminder of talent lost to the winds of history.

Exploring Collective Destinies

The concerts will also highlight the destinies of other composers who, like Zemlinsky, felt the weight of persecution. Egon Wellesz, who became a refugee in Oxford; Anton Webern, whose life was tragically cut short in 1945; and Fritz Kreisler, whose 'Bekenntnis zu Wien' was composed during his years in New York exile, are among the noteworthy names to be featured.

Among them, the underappreciated composer Mary Dickenson-Auner (1880–1965)—whose legacy was nearly erased—will also take center stage. In 1938, she was unjustly barred from performing in Vienna, and her works now exist only in manuscript. Daniel Auner, related to her, will pay tribute by playing on his own violin.

Celebrating Musical Resilience

The concerts will feature not only instrumental pieces but also vocal performances, with noted baritone Thomas Hampson bringing life to lieder composed by exiled musicians. On March 17, 2027, he will sing selections from Zemlinsky and his contemporaries, thereby reviving their voices in a modern context.

This concert series promises to be more than just a series of musical performances. It is a bold historical reclamation, an exploration of resilience amid adversity, and a demonstration of Vienna’s commitment to embracing its diverse cultural heritage. With an eye toward revealing the untold stories of artists who shaped the musical landscape, this initiative underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the contributions of those who were marginalized.

Concert Date Overview

• - November 25, 2026: Featuring works by Mary Dickenson-Auner and Schubert, Brahms, and Zemlinsky, with readings by Irene Suchy.
• - February 17, 2027: Performances of pieces by Webern, Johann Strauss II, Zemlinsky, and Berg, with readings by Wolfgang Böck, inspired by Arthur Schnitzler.
• - March 17, 2027: Baritone Thomas Hampson will perform lieder by Zemlinsky and contemporaries such as Hugo Wolf and Schönberg.
• - May 22, 2027: Kreislers 'Bekenntnis zu Wien,' alongside works by Wellesz, Zemlinsky, and Strauss, will close the series.

Engaging the Community

The Auner Quartet, which was established in 2013 and achieved acclaim with a win at the Eugène Ysaÿe Competition in 2018, further exemplifies the spirit of cultural ambassadorship in Austria. The quartet's recent album, "Versinkende Sonne," was named 'CD of the Year' by Ö1 in 2022, further solidifying their role in bringing lesser-known works to light.

Through this dedicated effort, Vienna not only revives the lost voices of its past but also reaffirms the enduring power of music as a vehicle for remembrance, dialogue, and healing, ensuring that history's wounds may heal through cultural expression.

For more details about the concert series and ticket information, visit aunerquartett.at.