After twenty seven songs of Europop, ballads and a hint of Australian soul, it looks like we’ll be getting something a little bit different for the Grand Final’s interval act. Internationally renowned percussionist Martin Grubinger has created a nine-minute spectacular for the event, focusing on the “diverse Austrian music tradition”.

That video of Martin’s previous work is seriously impressive stuff, y’all! Martin will be joined on stage in Vienna by the award-winning Arnold Schoenberg Choir, with the as-yet unnamed piece combining “classical music, big band music, choral music and percussion”.

It will involve numerous classical pieces from Austria’s music history – think Mahler and Bruckner, rather than Jurgens and Forstner – being brought in to the modern day with different styles “such as salsa, funk, fusion” and “African-Cuban”. We didn’t even know that one was a genre, but we are excited to hear what will be created!

Who is Martin Grubinger, though? Well, he’s 31 years old and has been participating in musical competitions himself since the turn of the millenium when he was still in his teens. He even participated in an EBU-backed event in Norway at one stage. He’s played in numerous music halls around the world and has won awards based on his work. By far and away though, the global Eurovision stage is set to be his biggest work yet though…no pressure, then!

Last year’s interval act was changed at the last minute, of course, with the “Trip to the Future” interval being cancelled at the last minute. Instead, Emmelie de Forest’s performance of “Rainmaker” became the only interval act. We’re still thanking that decision to this day.

What do you think of ORF’s choice then? Are you excited to see what Martin Grubinger and the Choir can create on stage? Let us know below.

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music

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Mario My Gay Diamond Vision of Gay Love
Mario My Gay Diamond Vision of Gay Love
9 years ago

That austrian babe is hot <3 😉
Im expecting a so cool show performance 4 the interval act in the Diamond Vision of Vienna! <3 🙂

Ryanireland
Ryanireland
9 years ago

I’m sure a country as rich in classical music as Austria will put on a great show. I’m sure there will be some yodelling too 😉 if not I despair lol I’m. Sure tho in all honesty that it will be very classy and well put together

WTF
WTF
9 years ago

The interval act should be Johann Sebastian Bass performing Heart Of Stone, with some awesome staging to boot. Easily the best song associated with ESC 2015.

Dhani
9 years ago

i hate interval acts. they are always so fucking boring

will there be an official eurovision song in vienna like Rainmaker last year??

MTD
MTD
9 years ago

Actually, if you watched the actual contest and not your commercials Chris, that “Trip to the Future” was included in the contest but in lesser extent.

Check it.

Darren
Darren
9 years ago

Would love to see a throwback to Austria’s rich classical music heritage at ESC 2015 (Mozart etc etc) after all, Vienna is the so-called “City of Music”then of course Conchita opening the final with her winning song would also be expected.

Patrick
Patrick
9 years ago

I didn’t knew a replacement happened last year,but i’m happy that they decided Emmelie to perform cz that act just sucks so bad 😛

eheheh
eheheh
9 years ago

wow, we’re gonna fall asleep.

PS: more and more resemblance to Dusseldorf 2011.