Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (in {{ll|German}}: Wiener Philharmoniker) is the best known orchestra in Austria and one of the best ensembles in the world.

Related Topics:
Orchestra - Austria

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Its home base is the world-famous Musikverein. The members of the orchestra are chosen from the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera.

Related Topics:
Musikverein - Vienna State Opera

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Although the orchestra is widely acknowledged as one of the world's finest, it has come in for some criticism because until 1997 it has not allowed women to join their society (although women were allowed just to play in it for quite longer). Some people associated with the organisation have also been criticised for saying that it is important to maintain the ethnic uniformity of the orchestra (that is, Europeans) in order to maintain high playing standards. The violinist Fritz Kreisler was turned down when he applied for a chair in the string section, and though Gustav Mahler converted from Judaism the year before he was appointed conductor, he only held the post for four seasons.

Related Topics:
1997 - Fritz Kreisler - Gustav Mahler - Judaism

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