Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

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 over 160-year history, the musicians of this most prominent orchestra of the capital city of music have been an integral part of a musical epoch that—thanks 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;” and Richard Strauss summarized these sentiments by saying: “All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement.”

The Vienna State Opera Orchestra holds a special relationship with the private association known as the Vienna Philharmonic. In accordance with Philharmonic statutes, only a member of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra can become a member of the Vienna Philharmonic.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s mission is to communicate the humanitarian message of music into the daily lives and consciousness of its listeners. In 2005 the orchestra was named Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization (WHO), and since 2006 the orchestra has also been a supporter of the Phonak initiative “Hear the World.” As of November 2008, Rolex is the worldwide presenting sponsor of the Vienna Philharmonic. The musicians endeavor to implement the motto with which Ludwig van Beethoven, whose symphonic works served as a catalyst for the creation of the orchestra, prefaced his Missa Solemnis: “From the heart, to the heart.”

Semyon Bychkov, conductor

Conductor Semyon Bychkov’s trademark is in the breadth of his vision, the clarity of his interpretation and the rich beauty of his sound. With his time carefully balanced between operatic and symphonic repertoire, he enjoys long and fruitful relationships with the orchestras and major opera houses in London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

Following the end of his 13-year tenure with the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, this season Mr. Bychkov conducts the Filarmonica della Scala on tour in Asia and Europe; the Concertgebouw in Europe; and the Vienna Philharmonic in the US. In addition he appears as a guest conductor with the orchestras of Cleveland, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Munich, Hamburg, Leipzig and London.

A pupil of the legendary pedagogue, Ilya Musin, Bychkov’s name came to international attention while Music Director of Michigan’s Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Following a series of high-profile cancellations that resulted in invitations to conduct both the New York and Berlin Philharmonics and the Concertgebouw, he was signed to an exclusive recording contract with Philips Classics.