Weiner was born in Vienna, Austria. He was gifted musically and studied privately. His artistic career began when he obtained a position as a conductor at the Raimond and Apollo Theaters and the Variete Ronacherin in Vienna. He began composing operettas and revues. This led to the distinctive position, which he held from 1928-38 as the leading author, composer and pianist for the literary revue ‘Femina,’ Vienna. The Colombian government invited him, in 1938, to bring the Femina-Revue, to Bogotá for the 400 year Celebrations. He then toured the country and finally immigrated to Caracas, Venezuela, where the Jewish Community gave him financial support until he was able to establish himself as pianist and piano teacher. He became a pianist for Radio Continente.
When the USA entered World War II In 1941, he was dismissed , however, from this work because of his Austrian citizenship. Weiner used the compensation money he received to lease a bar. There he established himself was pianist and accompanist for, Cissy Kraner, a singer and actor, born a Roman Catholic in Vienna. Kraner sang in English, French, Spanish and Dutch. In 1943 he and Kraner were married. They appeared together and were known as Cissy and Hugo. Weiner started to write and compose cabaret chansons in Spanish. He was a partner in establishing the Centro Austriaco Caracas. In 1946 he and his wife moved to Mexico. She became ill and they had to return to Caracas. Wiener visited Vienna in 1948, where his plays being produced. When he returned to Caracas he appeared at the Jockey Club restaurant.. In 1949, after the premiere of an operetta in Vienna, Wiener became writer for cabarets ‘Casanova’ and ‘Simpl,’ Vienna. He also performed there with his wife. After other brief engagements in Venezuela in 1951 and 1954, he and his Kraner settled in Vienna. In ‘Simpl’ he worked with Karl Farkas until 1965. His activities included tours and recordings with his wife. Wiener was author and co-author of many plays, operettas, cabaret revues and adaptations. He collaborated with composers including Robert Stolz as well as composing for films.
Hugo Wiener was a member of ‘Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publisher,’ ‘Austrian Writers’ Union’ (board mem.); ‘Austro Mechana,’ ‘Literar Mechana’ and the Jewish Congregation; all in Vienna. He received the ‘Golden Badge of Merit of the Austrian Republic’ (1964); ‘Medal of Honor in Silver,’ City of Vienna (1969); Professor, Austria (1972); ‘Honorary Member Centro Austriaco,’ Caracas (1972) and ‘Cross of Honor for Science and Art,’ Austria (1979).
Hugo Wiener died in Vienna in 1993.