An engaging meeting with a musicologist, composer, and operetta artist will unveil the secrets of the genius Johann Strauss. The discussion will combine live communication, historical context, and musical discoveries, preparing for the upcoming concert's splendor. At the Chapel in St. Petersburg, a special event will take place - a discussion meeting from the series "In Anticipation of the Concert: Listening to and Understanding Music." It precedes the festive program dedicated to Johann Strauss II - a composer who became a symbol of Viennese musical culture and the king of waltz. Guests of the event will immerse themselves in musical-historical reflections with experienced musicologist Larisa Popkova, composer Pavel Tursunov, and soloist of the Moscow operetta Maxim Katirev. During the discussion, not only interesting facts about Strauss's life will be shared, but also reflections on the stage fate of his works, the influence of Russian folklore on his creativity, as well as concerts in Pavlovsk and connections with imperial Petersburg. A lively and rich dialogue will allow a look at the composer's figure in the context of the era and to learn why his music continues to resonate on stages around the world. The format of the event is intimate and intellectual: it is not a lecture in the academic sense, but rather a free exchange of thoughts, enriched with examples and interesting observations. Such a meeting will be an ideal prologue to the grand concert and will allow the listener to immerse themselves in the music with new depth and awareness.