Thousands of fans, three musical geniuses, two anthems, an orchestra and a choir – the breathtaking backdrop for the Formula 1 Großer Preis von Österreich 2023 has been prepared. You can expect an opening show that has never been seen before at the Red Bull Ring. Mastermind Christian Kolonovits comined ‘Land der Berge’ and the ‘Dachsteinlied’ into a harmonious piece of art, which will be brought to life by Christopher Seiler and Juliette Khalil backed by members of the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra and singers of the Johann-Joseph-Fux Konservatorium (JJFK) chamber choir.
Kolonovits has already received many awards over the course of his career and is highly esteemed by international stars such as Placido Domingo but performing the new arrangement and premiere of the anthem in front of the packed grandstands at the Red Bull Ring is going to be a new emotional high for him. “It was a musical challenge that I relished. Having the opportunity to realise this vision with Red Bull is a privilege that gives me a considerable amount of satisfaction,” says Kolonovits.
Austropop meets classical music
The extraordinary arrangement of the two anthems will be presented by Christopher Seiler in a duet with soprano Juliette Khalil. As one half of the pop duo Seiler and Speer, Christopher Seiler is one of the biggest domestic music phenomena of recent years. Nevertheless, the appearance at the F1 is not ordinary for him either. “It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be singing at such a globally momentous event as the Austrian Grand Prix,” says Christopher Seiler. “It will be a very special performance.”
At his side is opera star Juliette Khalil. She has been a permanent ensemble member at the Vienna Volksoper since 2015 and is internationally celebrated for her remarkable vocal range. “To be invited to appear here at the Red Bull Ring as a soloist and to share this reimagination of our national anthem with viewers around the world, is a very special opportunity for me, which makes me infinitely grateful”, explains Khalil. More than 70 musicians gathered on the home straight of the Red Bull Ring will generate a stadium-filling sound.
