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.

History

The orchestra can trace its origins back to 1842, when Otto Nicolai formed what he called a "Philharmonic Academy"; it was an orchestra which was fully independent, and which took all its decisions by a democratic vote of all its members. These are principles the orchestra still holds today.

Related Topics:
1842 - Otto Nicolai

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When Nicolai left Vienna in 1847, the orchestra almost folded, and it was not very active until 1860, when Carl Eckert joined as conductor. He gave a series of four subscription concerts, and since then, the orchestra has given concerts continuously.

Related Topics:
1847 - 1860 - Carl Eckert

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The orchestra has attracted some very famous and acclaimed conductors.

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From 1875 to 1882 Hans Richter was principal conductor, and the orchestra gave the premieres of Brahms' second and third symphonies.

Related Topics:
1875 - 1882 - Hans Richter - Brahms

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Mahler held the post from 1898 to 1901, and under him the orchestra played abroad for the first time (in Paris). Subsequent conductors were Felix von Weingartner (1908–27), Wilhelm Furtwängler (1927–30) and Clemens Krauss (1930–33).

Related Topics:
1898 - 1901 - Paris - Felix von Weingartner - 1908 - 27 - Wilhelm Furtwängler - 30 - Clemens Krauss - 33

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Since 1933, the orchestra has had no one principal conductor, but instead has a number of guest conductors. These have included almost a great number of the world's best known conductors, including Richard Strauss, Karl Böhm, Herbert von Karajan, Georg Solti, Leonard Bernstein, and Claudio Abbado.

Related Topics:
Richard Strauss - Karl Böhm - Herbert von Karajan - Georg Solti - Leonard Bernstein - Claudio Abbado

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Since New Year's Day 1941, the orchestra has given a concert on dedicated to the music of the Strauss family, and especially Johann Strauss II: the Vienna New Year's Concert.

Related Topics:
New Year's Day - 1941 - Johann Strauss II - Vienna New Year's Concert

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