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About
Status: An elite opera orchestra based in Vienna, Austria, widely regarded as the best in the world.
Unique feature: Serves as the sole source of personnel for the legendary Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, from which its musicians are exclusively recruited.
Composition: Consists of 149 musicians.
Year of foundation: Established in 1869, alongside the opening of the Vienna State Opera House, though its origins date back to the early 18th century.
1. History and origin
The orchestra was founded on May 25, 1869, together with the Vienna State Opera. The first performance was Mozart's Don Juan. After 1918, it was renamed the Vienna State Orchestra.
2. Connection with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Since 1842, the musicians of the Vienna Opera have created the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for concerts. All philharmonic players are opera musicians, but not all are members of the orchestra. They perform under two names: in the theater — Vienna State Opera Orchestra, at concerts and festivals — Wiener Philharmoniker.
3. Activities and repertoire
The orchestra operates from September to June, performing more than 60 operas and ballets in 350 performances. He records more than 300 CDs annually, including symphonic music.
4. Chief Conductors
Among the conductors: Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Karl Boehm, Herbert von Karajan, Lorin Maazel, Claudio Abbado, Seiji Ozawa, Franz Welser-Mest.
5. Traditions and contradictions
The orchestra is proud of its traditions, but in 1997 lifted the ban on female musicians.
6. Post-war reconstruction
The opera house was destroyed in 1945. From 1947 to 1955, the orchestra performed at the Theater an der Wien and recorded. The restored opera was opened on November 5, 1955, with Karl Boehm's opera Fidelio by Beethoven.
