Just like in the old days during the reign of the emperors, every Saturday, the original Hoch- und Deutschmeister march through Kohlmarkt to the Inner Court of the Imperial Palace — while playing melodies by Franz Lehár, Robert Stolz, and Johann Strauss. Every Saturday from May 7 to October 1, the band assembles at 11 am on Graben (corner Kohlmarkt) in the center of the old city to play music in the Kohlmarkt and then march through the Michaelertor and the Inneres Burgtor in the Hofburg. This is followed by a 40-minute recital of works by the Strausses as well as Franz Lehár, Carl Michael Ziehrer and Robert Stolz. The band then marches back to the Michaelerplatz around 12 noon.

The history of the band, with 35 musicians aged 19 to 82 years, goes back to the year 1741. Of interest to music insiders is the fact that the instruments used, costing between € 3,000 and € 4,000 a piece, are all custom-made. They are tuned a semitone higher than usual which means they can be heard from a considerable way off.

May 7 until October 1, 2011
every Saturday 11 am
1st district
Michaelerplatz/Kohlmarkt/Hofburg