Since then, Conchita has performed pop classical crossover concerts with prestigious orchestras like the Austrian Bruckner Orchestra Linz, and the National Philharmonic Orchestra Berlin.
Last Sunday night, Conchita was also in London where she gave a concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the London Palladium. A concert that is part of the BBC’s Friday Night Is Music Night, and one which will air on BBC Radio 2 on May 11th.
As for the Wiener Symphoniker, Conchita’s first collaboration was back in June last year when she not only performed with the orchestra during a live televised outdoor concert to celebrate the opening of the city’s annual Wiener Festwochen, she also presented the entire show.
I saw both the rehearsal of the 90-minute concert and the concert itself from a position a meter or so away from the stage and let me tell you, in my mind, it is still one of the best things Conchita has ever done.
Because she proved both what a superb and supremely professional presenter she can be, and how powerful her voice is even with the accompaniment of the massive sounds of the Wiener Symphoniker.
So, when it was announced last week Conchita would be performing with the Wiener Symphoniker in a full concert again, and releasing a collaborative CD, I can honestly say I was not that surprised.
After all, while the Wiener Symphoniker is one of Vienna’s most prestigious orchestras (they really are wonderful), there has never been an Austrian superstar at the international level Conchita is now at, nor one that is this adored, loved and even more importantly respected.
For me, it is lovely the Wiener Symphoniker has realized that, and has rightfully decided a collaboration with Austria’s superstar singer could benefit both of them.
As the British morning talk show host Lorraine said to Conchita in a television interview in London yesterday morning (see below),
“Your home town Vienna, they have embraced the whole concept of Conchita. You’re doing From Vienna With Love later this year. That’s the big big project?…Again, that is very grown up and it’s got real credibility. And that’s the thing about you. It’s not a novelty. It really isn’t. I mean here we are four years down the line (four years after she won Eurovision), and you are doing better than ever”
She is. She most definitely is.
You can currently pick up tickets to From Vienna With Love, the October 20th concert featuring Conchita and the Wiener Symphoniker, on the Wiener Symphoniker’s website. They range in price from € 89.00 down to € 35.00.
I would suggest, however, that you grab them quickly as all tickets in the front two sections of the Wiener Konzerthaus have already sold out since going on sale a few days ago, as have most of the other tickets on the floor of the theater itself.
So unless you want to be stuck up in the gods, and have Conchita and the orchestra just a pin prick on the stage below you, think fast and buy them now.
After all, I think it is going to be one of the concerts to see in Vienna this year.
Related: Conchita to host Amadeus Awards 2018 — Expect superb hosting skills and impeccable comedic timing