Sat 10 Sep 2005
New Strauss Promotions Site
Posted by Strauss Blogger under Elk Grove , Elk Grove Park , Events , Johann Strauss , New , Sacramento , Strauss FestivalWelcome to the new blog page for StraussPromotions.com!
We will be updating this site with the most current information regarding the Elk Grove Strauss Festival 2006.
Stay tuned!
What is The Strauss Festival?
Photo: Mark Gee @ West Sacramento City Hall Strauss Festival Presentation
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The Strauss Festival has been Elk Grove’s signature culture event since 1987, offering family entertainment to almost 300,000 people. Through the years the production has garnered rave reviews and been featured in Sunset, Comstock and Via magazines. Each night’s performance is free to the public, funds are raised by generous donors, grants and fund raising events.
The Strauss Festival of Elk Grove California comes to the stage Thursday through Sunday of the last week of July each year. A marriage of some of the greatest dance music ever written, richly costumed dancers, dedicated volunteers and a live audience of over 30,000 passionate spectators.
The show features elegantly costumed dancers and professional symphony musicians playing the music of Vienna’s “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss, Jr. and his family. The setting is a grassy knoll at the edge of a lake surrounding a small island. Warm evening breezes and lights reflected in the water add to the wonderful experience of this free event.
Only the musicians and sound/lighting technicians are paid. All performers and stage crew gladly volunteer their services just for the opportunity to help in the show’s success. Dancers begin rehearsals in March and devote hours to practice. Many who have seen the show are surprised that our performers are not professional. See for yourself in the Pictorial section.
History
Iris Zimbelman’s dream to recreate the wonderful Strauss music and dance of Vienna in lovely Elk Grove Park began in late 1985. A Board of Directors was formed and aided by wide community support, the project was launched. A site was selected, a small circular island in the Elk Grove Park lake, and with the awarding of a grant by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, a performance facility was built.
The dream came true with the first Strauss Festival in July, 1987. Since that time, nearly 300,000 people have shared an enchanting evening of entertainment. The Festival, which continues to be a free event that appeals to all ages, is made possible by the generous support of many organizations, businesses, and private individuals who have made substantial cash and in-kind donations.
Compiled from Comstock magazine and StraussFestival.com
