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About Us

Immerse yourself in the world of the Imperial Philharmonic, the distinguished Viennese orchestra celebrated for its captivating and masterful performances. Revel in the splendor of our public concerts in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, and experience the symphonic brilliance of our talented musicians.

The Orchestra

The Imperial Philharmonic was founded in 2012 by musicians from leading Viennese orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the RSO, the Tonkünstler Orchestra, and the Vienna State Opera Stage Orchestra. Since its inception, the ensemble has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating Vienna's rich musical heritage, spanning from the Classical and Romantic periods to the 20th century. Our repertoire also includes innovative and alternative program offerings, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for our audiences.

Our virtuoso musicians come together to create an opulent tapestry of sound, honoring Vienna's reputation as a city of musical delight. The Imperial Philharmonic embodies the spirit of Vienna, a city that has been a sacred place for masters and composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss. The legacies of Mahler and Schönberg also resonate within our performances, further enhancing the city's illustrious musical tradition.

Join us in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, where we continue to inspire and captivate with our symphonic brilliance.

Press

Mundo Clásico

Discover what was written about our December 22nd concerts at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in the Spanish-Latin American magazine Mundoclassico.

Kronen Zeitung

Discover what the Kronenzeitung wrote about our concert in front of the Vienna Opera House, held just after the pandemic.

Our next concert

FILM MUSIC MATINEE HOLLYWOOD'S GREATEST HITS

Sunday, December 8, 2024

AT 11:00 AM

Pablo Boggiano
Conductor

📍Musikverein Vienna Golden Hall

Arabella Fenyes-Vocal
Gyula Szep - Violine

The Sound Of Christmas

We cordially invite you to our traditional Christmas concert, the pinnacle of musical celebrations. Save the dates:

Sunday, December 22, 2024

The concert will be held in the magnificent

📍Musikverein Vienna Golden Hall

Stay tuned for more information about the soloists. Their exceptional talents will create an unforgettable atmosphere.

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New Year’s Gala 2025

As the holiday season brightens our spirits and the world prepares for a new year, the Imperial Philharmonic is honored to extend a special invitation to you.

Join us on January 3, 2025, in the grandeur of the Golden Hall at Musikverein Vienna. Experience symphonic tales, resplendent melodies, and a celebration of musical heritage at our prestigious New Year’s Concert. This timeless tradition blends old-world charm with contemporary brilliance.

This event is more than just a concert. It's a gathering of music lovers, a celebration of Vienna's rich musical history, and a melodious start to the new year.

We hope to share this unforgettable evening with you. Secure your place among fellow connoisseurs and begin 2025 on a harmonious note.

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Repertoire

Get in touch

Experience the World Capital of Music with the Imperial Philharmonic. Our orchestra delivers an exquisite repertoire of classical music, featuring works by Mozart, Strauss, and other great composers. We also bring the beauty of Viennese music to the stage, captivating our audience and creating unforgettable musical moments that touch souls and enchant senses.

Booking

Embark on a harmonious journey through the realm of musical splendor with the Imperial Philharmonic Orchestra. We present an unparalleled musical tapestry that caters to all types of events, from intimate soirées to grandiose spectacles. The stage is set, waiting for your command.

Immerse yourself in the opulence of our orchestral prowess as we transform any venue into a mesmerizing haven of auditory enchantment. Whether it be a prestigious gala in a grand concert hall or an intimate private matinee in an exclusive setting, our musicians breathe life into every occasion, painting the air with sublime melodies.

Should you seek guidance on selecting the perfect ensemble, curating an enchanting repertoire, or have any other inquiries regarding the musical essence of your event, our dedicated team stands ready to assist. Your satisfaction is our paramount concern. Do not hesitate to contact us, as we await the honor of bringing forth a musical experience that transcends all expectations.

Contact

Musikverein

The Musikverein - Our Musical "home"

Immerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of the Vienna Musikverein, a revered musical haven we proudly call our "home." Each December, a cherished tradition unfolds as we grace the stage of the world-renowned "Golden Hall," presenting a resplendent Christmas concert. As January dawns, we usher in the New Year with a vibrant program, resounding with the timeless melodies of the waltz king, Johann Strauss, and other esteemed composers.

History of the Viennese Musikverein

The history of the Viennese Musikverein is steeped in rich heritage and tradition. Often referred to simply as the "Musikverein," this architectural gem stands as a testament to Vienna's enduring passion for music. The "Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde" (Society of Friends of Music), the esteemed custodians of the building, constructed it on land donated by Emperor Franz Joseph, and on January 6, 1870, it was unveiled to the world. At the heart of the Vienna Musikverein lies the resplendent "Golden Hall," adorned with magnificent decor and housing a historic organ crafted by the renowned Austrian firm Rieger in 1907. In 2001, the building underwent a meticulous renovation and expansion, adding additional rehearsal and concert halls.

Renowned for its lavish and revered acoustics, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein stands proudly among the world's top concert halls, alongside esteemed counterparts like Symphony Hall in Boston and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Spanning 48 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and soaring 18 meters high, it boasts over 1,700 seats and 300 standing places. This iconic venue has gained global acclaim, partly due to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, which resides within these walls.

Step into a world of musical opulence, where every note resonates within the majestic embrace of the Golden Hall, transporting you to a realm of unrivaled auditory bliss. The Vienna Musikverein beckons, inviting you to partake in a symphonic experience of unparalleled grandeur.

Our concert hall “ Musikverein Vienna-Golden Hall”
Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Our Conductors

Stephan Koncz

Featured Conductor

Stephan Koncz comes from an Austro-Hungarian family of musicians and when he was eight began his studies at the Musikhochschule of his native Vienna. In 2000 he became a pupil of Róbert Nagy at the Vienna Conservatory, and from 2002 he also studied composition and conducting at the University of Vienna. His training and development were also decisively stimulated by masterclasses with Daniel Barenboim, Steven Isserlis, Heinrich Schiff, Olaf Maninger and Tamás Varga as well as by chamber-musical activities with Julian Rachlin, Dmitry Sitkovetsky and the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2006 Koncz became a scholar of the Berliner Philharmoniker’s Orchestra Academy. The winner of several national and international competitions, he has also appeared as a soloist and chamber player in venues including the Vienna Musikverein and Konzerthaus as well as the Berlin Philharmonie. His position as principal cellist in the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra resulted in an intensive collaboration with the violinist Maxim Vengerov. Having previously been a member of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra for two years, Stephan Koncz joined the cello section of the Berliner Philharmoniker at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season.

Alastair Willis

Featured Conductor

In past seasons, Willis has guest conducted orchestras around the world including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Mexico City Philharmonic, Orquestra Sinfonica de Rio de Janeiro, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchestra Berlin, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, China National Orchestra (Beijing), and Silk Road Ensemble (with Yo-Yo Ma) among others. His recording of Ravel’s “L’Enfant et les Sortileges” with Nashville Symphony and Opera for Naxos was Grammy nominated for Best Classical Album in 2009.

Last season Willis was re-engaged by the Chicago Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic, Pacific Northwest Ballet, La Porte County Symphony, and Salute to Vienna, and made his debut with the Rockford Symphony. This season he returns to the Chicago Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Salute to Vienna.

Previous positions include Music Director of the Illinois Symphony, Principal Guest Conductor with the Florida Orchestra’s Coffee Concert series, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony, Assistant Conductor with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, and Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Born in Acton, Massachusetts, Willis lived with his family in Moscow for five years before settling in Surrey, England. He received his bachelor’s degree with honors from England’s Bristol University, an Education degree from Kingston University, and a Masters of Music degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

Our Soloists