Waltz in Space event

On 31 May 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) made history by transmitting a live performance of The Blue Danube Waltz into space from its Cebreros deep space antenna in Spain. This symbolic gesture elevated Johann Strauss II’s famous waltz, often considered the unofficial ‘anthem of space’, to its rightful place among the stars.

A live performance by the renowned Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), conducted by Petr Popelka, was held at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna. At precisely 21:30 CEST, the performance was transmitted into space from ESA’s Cebreros deep space  antenna, in Spain.

While the music waltzed into space, Earth hosted its own celebrations. In addition to the concert in Vienna, public screenings were held in Madrid, New York, and Vienna.