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The world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The world-famous orchestra: New Year’s Concert & Summer Night Concert

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most famous orchestras in the world. It is made up of highly professional members of the Vienna State Opera. The Vienna Philharmonic has traditionally performed its New Year’s Concert at the turn of the year for many years. Over 80 countries throughout the world witness the spectacle via the media.

A very limited number of tickets are available for the event – and due to the great demand each year, are sold by raffle between the 2nd of January and the end of February. To be in with a chance of getting picked, music fans have to register within this time period. The tickets themselves range from approx. €20 to €1,090.

In addition to kicking off with the New Year’s Concert, a Summer Night Concert takes place in Schönbrunn once a year. This free open-air concert draws 100,000 visitors from all over to Vienna every year and is broadcast in more than 60 countries worldwide. The museum of the Vienna Philharmonic can be found in the Haus der Musik in Vienna.

The Philharmonic see it as their mission to make the music awareness a part of people’s everyday lives.

„Goldener Saal“, rund 2 Stunden nach dem Ende des Neujahrskonzertes 2015
The great hall, also known as the “Golden Hall” © Bwag/Wikimedia

The history of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The first concert of the Vienna Philharmonic took place under Otto Nicolai’s supervision. At that time, the members were musicians from the k.k. Hofoper. Under conductor Hans Richter, the orchestra experienced an upturn. His highlights were the first performances of Brahms’ 2nd and 3rd Symphonies. It was not until 1997 that women were allowed to join the orchestra.

In the course of its 175-year existence, the career of the Vienna Philharmonic has been shaped by many members and conductors. 10-11 subscription concerts take place every year. Even the Philharmonic Ball, which has been running since 1924, is one of the most spectacular events for the orchestra and thus a highlight of the Viennese ball season.