Vienna is the undisputed cultural center of Austria and one of the world capitals of music. Not only is the city the birthplace of the waltz, but it was also home and workplace to the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, the Strauss family, Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler. Even today operas, concerts and theatrical performances play a major part in Viennese life. Carefully watched over by the famous Society of Friends of Music, Vienna's role as a leading music city remains unchallengeable.