Introduction

In an extraordinary celebration of culture and creativity, Vienna is set to launch Johann Strauss II's beloved masterpiece, *The Blue Danube Waltz*, into the cosmos. This ambitious initiative comes to fruition as part of events commemorating the 200th anniversary of Strauss's birth.

The Broadcast Details

On May 31, 2025, the majestic strains of this iconic waltz will be broadcast from Vienna, reaching out into deep space. The performance will be delivered by the renowned Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra) at a special concert held at the MAK Museum. This historic transmission will utilize the advanced deep space communication facilities of the European Space Agency located in Cebreros, Spain. Traveling at the speed of light—approximately 299,792 kilometers per second—*The Blue Danube* is poised to surpass the Voyager 1 spacecraft in about 23 hours and 3 minutes.

Collaborators and Goals

Collaborators for this groundbreaking project include the Vienna Tourist Board, Jung von Matt DONAU, and the European Space Agency. Dubbed the "Waltz into Space" campaign, this initiative not only aims to share Vienna’s rich musical heritage with the universe but also to spark the imagination of audiences here on Earth about our connection to potential extraterrestrial life.

Accompanying Film and Interactive Experience

To accompany the mission, a humorous short film has been released, shedding light on why *The Blue Danube* was notably absent from the original Voyager Golden Record—a collection of sounds and music sent into space in 1977. The film, featuring actor Adam Astill as a mission director, humorously chronicles the comical mishap of forgetting to include the waltz simply because he was too busy enjoying it at home.

Directed by Bart Timmer, the film also incorporates original NASA footage from the Voyager launch, fostering a sense of nostalgia while highlighting this unique initiative. The promotional film will be available across nine countries from March 10 to May 2 and is supported by a microsite that provides detailed information about the mission. Visitors to the site can also participate in a unique opportunity to adopt one of the 13,743 individual musical notes from the waltz, each linked to its journey into space, thus making a personal connection to this cultural landmark.

Visionary Campaigns by the Vienna Tourist Board

“Waltz into Space” is the latest in a series of visionary campaigns by the Vienna Tourist Board and Jung von Matt DONAU, which have previously included provocative artworks on OnlyFans, a "microdose Vienna" concept, and an augmented reality representation of Sigmund Freud to entice tourists.

Conclusion

This project signifies more than just a musical transmission; it serves as a bold testament to the power of art to bridge the gap between humanity and the vast unknown. As the rhythms of *The Blue Danube* venture into the universe, they carry with them the echoes of Vienna’s rich history, a reminder of our shared cultural ties and aspirations beyond our terrestrial home. Prepare to dance with the stars!