Inspiring young people to discover classical music and supporting young musical talent on their path into the orchestra: this is the aim of Shaping the Future of Classical Music, a new five-year programme launched by the Wiener Symphoniker together with Bel Canto Music & Cultural Initiatives GmbH. The cooperation was officially signed in Vienna on 30 September 2026.

The programme combines concert visits for school students with digital educational offerings and a scholarship programme for young musicians. As part of the "Young Audience" initiative, a total of 18 concerts by the Wiener Symphoniker are planned at the Wiener Konzerthaus between 2028 and 2030, each for around 1,500 students. A digital platform will introduce the young audiences to the programmes before the concert and provide them with an accessible introduction to the music.

The second part of the programme is dedicated to supporting young musicians on their path into the orchestra through a training and scholarship programme. Participants will receive targeted training in the distinctive characteristics of the Viennese orchestral sound, including on instruments such as the Viennese horn and Viennese oboe. The aim is to make it easier for them to pursue a career in an orchestra in Vienna, while at the same time passing on the characteristic sound of the Wiener Symphoniker to the next generation.

The Wiener Symphoniker set the artistic direction and provide the musical content, while Bel Canto oversees the programme and the digital educational platform. The educational concept is being developed jointly.

The first concerts for school students are planned for the 2027/28 school year, while the young musicians and scholarship programme will get underway in 2027.