The 60th Eurovision Song Contest is fast approaching. It kicks off on May 19, 2015. This year, the international competition for composers and songwriters once again offers performers and groups from 39 participating countries the opportunity to compete.
When Udo Jürgens became the first Austrian to win the contest in 1966 with “Merci, Chérie,” Vienna still had a year to go before hosting the event for the first time. Following 1967, the Austrian capital is now once again hosting the contest. Quite a few fans are remembering the recently deceased Udo Jürgens with a touch of sadness.
Over the course of sixty years, many wonderful memories have accumulated. These are worth cherishing. The BBC is planning an event for late March 2015 titled “Eurovision Song Contest’s Greatest Hits.” One of the songs featured is Nicole’s “Ein bisschen Frieden,” the winning entry from 1982.
Building Bridges
The current 60th Eurovision Song Contest also has a theme dedicated to peace. The theme for 2015 is “Building Bridges.”
Austria, the host country, fits the theme well with its history as a multi-ethnic state and its traditional role as a cultural and political bridge between East and West. The image of bridge-building emphasizes the idea of tolerance. Tom Neuwirth, last year’s competition winner and a member of the 2015 host team, certainly likes this. With his alias “Conchita Wurst“With his memorable performance at the 59th Eurovision Song Contest, he sent a widely noted message of tolerance, diversity, and openness.”
A Competition of Superlatives
When the singing and musical rivals face off in May at the Stadthalle in Vienna, a competition of the highest caliber is in store:
- The City of Vienna estimates the cost at 17 million euros.
- Counting the jury, family, and TV shows together, fans can look forward to a total of nine shows.
- The stage consists of 1,288 individual columns.
- A four-member team of hosts ensures entertaining programming and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.
- This is necessary because the Wiener Stadthalle is expected to seat 13,500 discerning audience members.
- The stage's LED wall is 22 meters wide and 8.5 meters high.
Fans can easily purchase tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest final online. On “ticketbis,” users can find all the important information regarding venues, ticket availability, prices, and how to choose their favorite seat.
