Wiener Philharmoniker
Biography
There is perhaps no other musical ensemble more consistently and closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music than the Vienna Philharmonic. In the course of its history, the musicians of this most prominent orchestra of the capital city of music have been an integral part of a musical epoch which due to an abundance of uniquely gifted composers and interpreters must certainly be regarded as unique.
The orchestra's close association with this rich musical history is best illustrated by the statements of countless pre-eminent musical personalities of the past. Richard Wagner described the orchestra as being one of the most outstanding in the world; Anton Bruckner called it "the most superior musical association"; Johannes Brahms counted himself as a "friend and admirer"; Gustav Mahler claimed to be joined together with the orchestra through "the bonds of musical art"; and Richard Strauss summarized these sentiments by saying: "All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement."
Current album
Sommernachtskonzert 2025 / Summer Night Concert 2025
Artists Wiener PhilharmonikerRelease Date: 07/11/2025
Sony Classical is proud to announce the release of this year’s Summer Night Concert 2025 with the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Tugan Sokhiev with tenor Piotr Beczała.
This year, the Summer Night Concert was performed on June 13. The annual open-air concert took place on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Among the renowned conductors who have previously led the orchestra at this event are Georges Prêtre, Daniel Barenboim, Franz Welser-Möst, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Andris Nelsons, Daniel Harding, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
The Vienna Philharmonic's 183-year tradition dates back to 1842, when Otto Nicolai conducted a Grand Concert featuring all members of the imperial “Hof-Operntheater” – the imperial court opera. This event, originally called the "Philharmonic Academy," is regarded the origin of the orchestra. Since its founding, the Vienna Philharmonic has been managed by an administrative committee—democratically elected by its members—and operates with artistic, organizational, and financial autonomy. All decisions are reached collectively on a democratic basis during the general assembly of all members.
The unique concert experience will be available digitally and on CD on July 11, and on DVD and Blu-ray on July 18.
