Walzersymphonie (Waltz Symphony) is an artistic research project that explores how generative AI tools can take part in shaping new musical ideas. Commissioned by the Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna festival, the project invites audiences to experience new compositions created by music students in collaboration with AI—offering a contemporary reflection on the music of Johann Strauss II in his anniversary year.
The students worked with Ricercar, an AI-based composition tool developed by musician and researcher Ali Nikrang at the Ars Electronica Futurelab, specifically trained on the works of Johann Strauss for this project. The aim was not to automate composition, but to explore AI’s potential as a collaborative tool in the creative process.
The resulting works come together as the Walzersymphonie, to be performed in part during the Opening Night of the Ars Electronica Festival 2025 by the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. Further insights and excerpts will then be presented at Futurelab Night
