Concert for Europe 2007

Tonight is a big night for Vienna. Valéry Gerviev, a Russian conductor, will be conducting the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra. What's so special about that, you ask? Well, there are a few things that make tonight extraordinary:
Instead of performing in the Haus der Musik, the Konzerthaus or the Musikverein (usual performance locations), the Philharmonic is preforming in the Schönnbrunn Schloß gardens (Schönnbrunn is the Austrian equivalent to France's Palace of Versailles). Instead of the usual 250-1000 person audience, the crowd capacity for this concert is much higher - 70,000 at last year's concert. Instead of dipping into the wallet or maxing out the credit card on tickets, this concert is free. Instead of sitting in plush red velvet seats, listeners stand or better yet, bring picnic blankets and drink champagne. Still not convinced? Well, I'm heading there in a few hours - I'll post some pictures and you can decide for yourself.