Wiener Symphoniker / Benoit / Jacquot

Performers:

Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Vienna Singing Academy
Elsa Benoit, soprano
Marie Jacquot, conductor

Ballet and choral music from Paris
»No more clouds, waves, aquariums, undines and nocturnal scents - what we need is music that is at home on earth, music for all days ... perfect, pure, without superfluous ornamentation«, was how the writer Jean Cocteau formulated the programme of the Groupe des Six, a group of composers active in France in the 1920s under the mentorship of Erik Satie. Francis Poulenc was also a member of this group.

Stabat mater
Poulenc came relatively late to choral music, which he considered to be the »best and most credible aspect« of himself. Extremely moved by a pilgrimage to the Black Madonna of Rocamadour, he wrote several sacred works, including the neoclassical Stabat mater in 1950. The Vienna Symphony Orchestra with the Wiener Singakademie and Elsa Benoit conducted by Marie Jacquot perform it for the first time at the Wiener Konzerthaus.

»Petrushka« and »Les animaux modèles«
With this work, Poulenc commemorated his deceased friend, the artist Christian Bérard, whose partner Boris Kochno had worked for the Ballets Russes. This Russian ballet company, directed by Sergei Diaghilev, also performed »Petrushka« in 1911, for which Igor Stravinsky had composed the music. Poulenc was already very impressed by it at a young age. With »Les animaux modèles«, the programme also includes ballet music by Poulenc from 1942.

program

Francis Poulenc
Les animaux modèles. Ballettsuite S 111 (1942)
Stabat mater S 148 (1950–1951)

Igor Strawinski
Petruschka. Burleske in vier Szenen (Fassung von »1947«) (1910–1911/1946)

Place

Wiener Konzerthaus – A Temple of Music and Culture

The Wiener Konzerthaus is one of Europe's most prestigious concert venues and a cornerstone of Vienna’s vibrant musical scene. Since its opening in 1913, it has stood for musical excellence, stylistic diversity, and artistic innovation. With four magnificent halls – the Great Hall, Mozart Hall, Schubert Hall, and Berio Hall – the Konzerthaus offers exceptional acoustics and accommodates up to 1,865 guests.

From classical music and opera to jazz, world music, and contemporary compositions, the Wiener Konzerthaus is renowned for its diverse programming, featuring both international stars and emerging talents. Alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, world-class orchestras, soloists, and ensembles grace its stage, making it an essential destination for music lovers.

Getting There by Public Transport

The Wiener Konzerthaus is centrally located in the 3rd district and easily accessible by public transport:

Subway:

• U4 Stadtpark station – about a 5-minute walk
• U3/U4 Landstraße (Wien Mitte) station – about a 10-minute walk

Tram:

• Lines 2, 71, D (stop Schwarzenbergplatz) – about a 3-minute walk

Bus:

• Line 4A (stop Schwarzenbergplatz)

Train:

• Wien Mitte/Landstraße (connection to CAT, S-Bahn, and subway) – about a 10-minute walk

With its excellent transport connections, the Wiener Konzerthaus is easily reachable for both locals and international visitors.
Wiener Konzerthaus – A World-Class Musical Experience.

As one of Vienna’s most important cultural institutions, the Wiener Konzerthaus seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering unforgettable concerts in one of the world’s most beautiful concert halls.