• Gmundner Keramik continues its commitment to art with the Johann Strauss collection
• Herbert Lippert immortalises his cult painting of the Waltz King on ceramics
• Sparkling wine producer Szigeti honours Johann Strauss with an exclusive special bottling, label ‘Johann Strauss’
• Unique ceramic Strauss pieces from Gmundner Keramik as a special prize of the Austrian Music Theatre Award

Three Austrian institutions are celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss Sohn with a unique collaboration: Gmundner Keramik, Herbert Lippert and the Szigeti sparkling wine cellars. Together they present the ‘Strauss Trilogy’ – an exclusive collection that combines art, music and craftsmanship.

The Johann Strauss collection from Gmundner Keramik
With the Johann Strauss collection, Gmundner Keramik is making a strong statement in favour of art and craftsmanship. It was created in collaboration with the universal artist Herbert Lippert and is based on an original painting by him from 2019. The portrait, which was already featured in the Vienna Philharmonic’s 2024 New Year’s Concert programme, now adorns this extraordinary collection. The Waltz King will be immortalised on the characteristic ceramic in 2025.

The special edition by Herbert Lippert
For true connoisseurs and collectors of Gmundner ceramics, there will be an exclusive special edition in which the Strauss portrait will be hand-painted by Herbert Lippert himself. These hand-painted unique pieces give the collection an unmistakable and extraordinary dimension. Each of these pieces is a unique work of art that sets standards in its execution and attention to detail and takes the combination of music, art and masterful craftsmanship to a new level. This special edition is part of the total edition and remains exclusively available to collectors and art lovers who appreciate something special.

The originators and the genesis
The idea of creating a Johann Strauss collection based on Herbert Lippert’s artworks was born in the summer of 2024. The decision to implement the idea was made by the idea providers – ArtProjekte board member Andreas Walk, Gmundner Keramik production manager Alexander Köck and Music Theatre Prize President Karl-Michael Ebner. It was clear to everyone that this co-operation should be more than just another anniversary project. They wanted to create a unique connection that celebrates both the more than 150-year-old tradition of the Viennese waltz and the craftsmanship of Gmundner Keramik.

Herbert Lippert: The universal artist
For Herbert Lippert, who discovered the music of Johann Strauss as a soloist with the Vienna Boys‘ Choir, it was a matter of course to combine music history and art. ‘The music of Strauss has accompanied me since my childhood. It was a great pleasure for me to immortalise him not only musically, but also as a painter – and on the sophisticated material of Gmundner Keramik,’ says Lippert.

Sektkellerei Szigeti: The noble special bottling
The Szigeti sparkling wine cellar, known for its award-winning champagnes, is also honouring Johann Strauss with an exclusive special bottling. Inspired by the role of champagne in Strauss‘ operettas, Szigeti has created a special edition that is available in bubbles, 0.2 litre and 0.75 litre bottles. The labels of this special edition are also adorned with a portrait of Johann Strauss, hand-painted by Herbert Lippert, the universal artist and Strauss interpreter. ‘Strauss and sparkling wine simply belong together,’ says Peter Szigeti, who is considered the “king of sparkling wine” after his products were not only honoured as the best at a blind tasting in Champagne. The grapes are processed according to the Méthode Traditionelle.

The Austrian Music Theatre Prize: A unique piece for Strauss
The Austrian Music Theatre Prize (AMTP), whose statuettes have been made by Gmundner Keramik since 2022, also honours Johann Strauss. This year, the highest honours of the AMTP – including the ‘Jury Prize’ and the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ – will be decorated with a portrait of Strauss by Herbert Lippert himself. These unique pieces will be presented to the winners at the gala in September. ‘It was clear from the outset that the special prize was the ideal platform for paying homage to Strauss. We can be proud of this interdisciplinary synthesis of the arts,’ explains Prof Karl-Michael Ebner, President of the AMTP.