Spanish Riding School in 450th Anniversary Fever
After a brilliant start in the current performance season, the Spanish Riding School is already preparing intensively for the anniversary performances, which will take place in June of the current year. Apart from the classic performances where the riders together with their Lipizzaner stallions present the High School of Classical Horsemanship and the programme of the Morning Exercise, which serves as daily exercise for the horses, our riders have yet started to train diligently for the gala performance at the Heldenplatz Square, taking place from June 25 to June 27. Tickets for the performances are already available, regional and international demand is huge, so if you want to attend the festivities, please make sure to reserve your ticket as soon as possible at: www.srs.at.
Classical riding performanceThe world famous performances of the Lipizzaner stallions usually take place on the weekends in the unique baroque Winter Riding Hall of the Viennese Imperial Palace, which was built in the time when the Habsburg Archduke Charles VI ruled. The performances are the outcome of a long and intensive training of both horses and riders. Both, the driving young stallions and the fully trained school stallions enchant the audience when showing the School Quadrille, the schools on as well as above the ground, the Pas de Deux and the exercise on the long rein. You will be able to watch the whole range of their talents in a wonderful high-class top performance.Morning ExerciseDuring the Morning Exercise with music such as Viennese Waltz and other classical pieces, taking place from Tuesday to Friday 10.00 to 12.00 a.m., you will have the opportunity to watch the exercise and training of the Lipizzaner stallions in their different training levels.Guided ToursFor all those who want to glimpse behind the scenes of the Spanish Riding School, we offer a guided tour providing interesting inside information. You can visit a guided tour on a daily basis at 2.00, 3.00 or 4.00 pm.Three 450-year anniversary performances in the end of June on the Heldenplatz SquareIn September 1565, a document was issued that mentioned the sum of one hundred guilders, which was used to build the “Thumblplatz” in the garden at the Purgkh alhie’. This open riding and competition arena was located in today’s Josefsplatz, close to the Imperial Palace of Vienna (Hofburg) being a predecessor of today’s word famous Spanish Riding School.For this occasion, the world- famous institution will celebrate its 450th anniversary in the year of 2015 with numerous glamorous festivities: the highlight will consist in two gala performances on the Heldenplatz Square on June 26 and 27 as well as one sold rehearsal at 7.00 pm in front of the office of the federal president. On Friday, June 26, 2015, the traditional summer ball, the “Fête Impériale 2015” will take place immediately after the performance; it goes without saying that the Fête will be fully dedicated to the anniversary.The Spanish Riding School will welcome a high-ranking guest for the anniversary: The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre) from Jerez. The noble Spanish horses are going to dance together with the world famous Lipizzaner stallions presenting a unique anniversary performance of the High School of Classical Horsemanship. The wonderful mares and their pretty foals from the stud farm of Piber will also join the festivities.Ticket price (seats and boxes)General rehearsal, June 25, 2015, 7.00 pm: 25 € to 100 €Anniversary performance, June 26, 2015, 7.00 pm: 50 € to 250 €Gala performance, June 27, 2015, 7.00 pm: 25 to 175You can reserve tickets for the whole programme range at www.srs.at, or directly at the visitors’ centre, Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, per mail, fax or email (office@srs.at). You will find all the dates at www.srs.atPicture referenceRiders and stallions Ó Spanish Riding School/ Stefan SeeligFurther information for media representatives at: http://www.srs.at
