On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, starting at 8:30 PM, Wetzlar Square in Schladming transforms into a stage for "Euphony in Uniform." This extraordinary concert is a musical highlight of this year's Mid EUROPE festival and simultaneously celebrates the 25th anniversary of the prestigious event.

This special performance of "The Dream of an Austrian Reservist" by composer Carl Michael Ziehrer will be presented by the Upper Austria Military Band and the Grand Ducal Military Band of Luxembourg. Set against the impressive backdrop of city hall, the event promises to be a remarkable experience indeed. The piece itself is a euphonious tone painting, rich in scenic depictions. It narrates the story of a village blacksmith who, after a hard day's work, falls into a revery of his military service and "the magic of the uniform", interspersed with many naturalistic episodes. Aside from his impressive music, C.M. Ziehrer also incorporates sounds of rushing water, twittering birds, a blacksmith hammering, bells ringing, signals, and commands – some prerecorded and some live – to enhance the full auditory experience even more. This monumental soundscape premiered on New Year's Eve 1890, performed by the Deutschmeister regimental band with C.M. Ziehrer as its conductor at that time.

The evening not only promises musical highlights, but also a special atmosphere. The musicians' uniforms become part of the overall experience, and the disciplined precision they represent can be clearly felt with every note. The visual spectacle is completed by majestic salvoes that pay due tribute to the historical background and festive mood of the anniversary.

The dream of an Austrian reservist becomes reality when he dons the uniform while simultaneously creating musical masterpieces. It is the blend of duty and passion that makes these men and women unique ambassadors of musical tradition and military honor. In this way, the euphonious sounds transport the history and pride of the reservists into the very hearts of their audience.

An imposing spectacle indeed, for both the eye and ear!