Jazz in Vienna? Lots of it!

Edited by Jennifer L. Price

Although usually known for its opera and classical music, the finest music venues of Vienna have recently been transformed into jazz stages during its Jazz Festival, held from June 25 to July 12, 2007.

Amidst the beautiful surroundings cemented in music history, it is the international stars that will be drawing all the attention.

One of the major highlights was an appearance by Roberta Flack at the Vienna State Opera House on July 2. This seventies icon knows just how to unite soul, blues and pop. Flack was born in 1937 in North Carolina. A classically trained pianist with gospel influences, her biggest hit “Killing Me Softly” is known all over the world.

Dionne Warwick, the first African American solo female pop artist, will be gracing the opera stage with her presence on July 6. The one-time Drifters backing singer’s series of hits, including “Anyone Who Had A Heart”, “Walk On By” and “A House Is Not A Home”, set a new benchmark in the pop music scene.

Leandro “Gato” Barbieri will be giving an open air concert in the arcaded courtyard of Vienna City Hall on July 7 (jpg city hall). He combines the energy and spontaneity of free jazz with the rhythms and melodies of South American music, and builds Indian, Spanish and Afro-American elements into his highly entertaining performances. He shot to international stardom with his soundtrack for Bernardo Bertolucci’s “Last Tango in Paris”.

There’s still time to catch these jazz greats in this amazing city or keep your eyes out and book early for next year!