A symphony flash mob by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra turned the Taikoo Hui Guangzhou into an open-air concert hall on December 29. Golden melodies and waltz rhythms filled the air, offering shoppers a spontaneous celebration of Viennese charm and kicking off the city's New Year festivities.
As musicians performed live, elegant waltz melodies echoed through the plaza. Dancers joined in, and members of the public were invited to participate, creating an immersive experience that brought classical music closer to everyday city life. The performance blurred the boundaries between stage and audience, offering a rare moment where symphonic music and urban rhythm moved together.
The pop-up marked the orchestra's return to Guangzhou after nearly a decade. The visit comes at a special moment, as 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss Jr., the legendary "King of Waltz." In celebration of the occasion, the orchestra will present a special New Year's Eve concert on December 31 at the Guangzhou Opera House.
Artistic Director Angelika Möser highlighted the universal power of the New Year's concert tradition. "This music speaks to everyone," she said. "It speaks about life, joy, dance, and the international language of music. We wish all the people here a peaceful, healthy, and joyful year, and we hope to bring some joy to Guangzhou through our music."
Violinist Peter Uhler also shared his excitement about performing in the city. "We know that Chinese audiences are very interested in Viennese music," he said. "It's a great joy for us to send all our wishes from Vienna to Guangzhou." He added that he hopes his family will one day visit the city, describing Guangzhou as "beautiful, with very nice people."
As the city counts down to the new year, the open-air performance offered a joyful preview of what's to come. The ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra will take the stage on December 31 at the Guangzhou Opera House for its New Year's Eve concert, inviting audiences to welcome the new year with waltzes and the unmistakable sound of Vienna. Organized by INFO Guangdong, a special ticket giveaway is also open to music lovers, offering free tickets to two upcoming performances and adding an extra note of excitement to Guangzhou's year-end celebrations.
For more info on the ticket giveaway:
Ticket Giveaway | Ring in 2026 with world-class concerts in Guangzhou
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video & Cover: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
