Richard Strauss, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bruno Walter, Hans Knappertsbusch, George Szell, Herbert von Karajan, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Georges Prêtre and Fabio Luisi are among the many prominent conductors who have shaped the sound and interpretive style of this tradition-rich, Viennese orchestral institution.

Around thirty conductors make music with the Wiener Symphoniker each season, including numerous, young podium stars, some of whom have celebrated their first big successes with the orchestra.

Fabio Luisi is the current Chief Conductor of the Wiener Symphoniker. The former Chief Conductors Georges Prêtre and Wolfgang Sawallisch have maintained close ties with “their” orchestra. The Wiener Symphoniker has expressed its special esteem and gratitude by conferring on them the title of “Honorary Conductor”.