As Vienna’s cultural ambassador and premier concert orchestra, the Wiener Symphoniker handles the lion’s share of symphonic activity that makes up the musical life of the city. The preservation of the traditional, Viennese orchestral sound occupies a central role in the orchestra’s many artistic pursuits. The Wiener Symphoniker is one of Europe’s most prestigious ensembles and boasts 128 members. For this reason, the orchestra is precisely the right vehicle for the great Romantic works of Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler and Richard Strauss that constitute its core repertoire.
The Vienna Musikverein and nearby Konzerthaus are the principal performing venues of the Wiener Symphoniker. The orchestra has also been in residence at the Bregenzer Festspiele since 1946 and continues to maintain close ties to the festival. Beginning in 2006, the orchestra added another feather to its cap: The Wiener Symphoniker now serves as resident opera orchestra for a whole host of stylistically diverse productions taking place at the Theater an der Wien. Periodic international tours to the most important music centers round out the extensive portfolio of this traditional, Viennese orchestra:
The history of the Wiener Symphoniker
Viennese sound since 1900
The Wiener Symphoniker look back on an eventful history, rich of memorable moments and big names. Originally called the Wiener Concertverein, the Wiener Symphoniker was founded in 1900 in the spirit of Viennese modernism.
Leaders in Sound
Conductors of the Wiener Symphoniker
Richard Strauss, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Hans Knappertsbusch, 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.
Musicians and Management
The Wiener Symphoniker
Meet our musicians and get further information on the board and management of the Wiener Symphoniker.
The Homes of the Wiener Symphoniker
Residencies
The Wiener Symphoniker perform in both of Vienna's world famous concert halls. As opera orchestra they play regularly at the Theater an der Wien. Since its first edition they have been the Orchestra in Residence of the Bregenz Festival.
The power of small
Ensembles
Chamber music is one of the Wiener Symphoniker’s pet projects. The members of the orchestra will be indulging their passion for the more intimate format of chamber music through solo performances and their own ensembles. Here you can can find a selection of some of the musicians' projects.
Work for us
Jobs
Browse our current vacancies and become a member of the Wiener Symphoniker. We are looking forward to hearing from you.