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Ferdinand Dommayer opened an elegant establishment in 1833, quite close to Schönbrunn. This is where Johann Strauß first performed in public, on October 13th, 1844. Among the audience there were members of the imperial family, owners of villas in Hietzing and other wealthy Viennese. Against his father’s opposition the son had organised a small orchestra and with it appeared in public as a conductor. Since then Vienna had its Johann Strauß senior and Johann Strauß junior. After this concert the journalist Franz Wiest wrote the humorous but prophetic words: "Good night, Lanner, good night, Strauß father, good morning, Strauß son." 
Today the elegant Parkhotel Schönbrunn stands on this spot. 

 

Johann Strauß in pictures
The Schottengymnasium in Vienna			Residence of Johann Strauß