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    • Vienna Philharmonic, New Years Concert 2021 with Riccardo Muti
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    The Vienna Philharmonic

    ​​The Vienna Philharmonic – just the sound of the name is melodic. Wherever the world-renowned orchestra performs, it draws audiences under its spell. We talked to flautist Karin Bonelli to learn more about the fascinating virtuosity of its musicians and the famous “Viennese sound.”

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    A look behind the scenes at the Vienna Philharmonic

    with Flautist Karin Bonelli

    „Music and the flute have always been there.“ Karin Bonelli was born in Upper Austria’s Salzkammergut into a life filled with music. Both her parents, Bonelli’s brother, and her uncle are flautists. She first received instructions from her mother at age eight. Later she went to the conservatory in Linz to receive formal training. She also studied in Vienna, Munich and Lyon. At the young age of 23, she became the first woman to join the wind instrument section at the Vienna Philharmonic.

    We wanted to know more about the young artist and what it is like to be a part of the Vienna Philharmonic and its musical legacy. What is the secret behind the magic of this venerable orchestra, and where does Karin Bonelli find the personal balance, calm and strength for her work? After the interview, she also shared which treats she cannot resist. Her reply: “Wachau apricot dumplings!”

    • The Vienna Philharmonic

      Since 1842, no other orchestra has been so closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music as the Vienna Philharmonic. From the very beginning, it has shaped musical history around the globe. The storied “Viennese Sound” is the feature that performers and conductors keep praising as the orchestra’s distinguishing quality.

      The Viennese Sound: round and warm

      What is the secret behind the fascinating sound audiences can’t get enough of? It is very likely more than the quality of the instruments, although they do play an important role as well, explains Karin Bonelli. She describes the vibrations that make up this extraordinary listening experience as a “blendable, round, warm sound.”

    • **to watch the video with subtitles please enable those in the lower bar (once you click the play button)**


      It has deep roots in the musical consciousness of the Viennese tradition and is passed on within the orchestra from generation to generation.

      The instruments are made in the tradition of the 18th century, the Vienna Classic period. The Vienna Philharmonic regard themselves as heirs of this period’s legacy and have largely omitted the innovations of the 19th century. They remained true to the sound ideals of Mozart’s, Haydn’s and Beethoven’s times. As a result, the Viennese wind instruments, to name just one example, differ from those of other international symphony orchestras in the style of play - especially the Viennese oboe and the Vienna horn.

    It is significant that we are an opera as well as a concert orchestra. Every day we also need to accompany singers and so you need this blendable, round, warm sound.

    Karin Bonelli, Flötistin, Wiener Philharmoniker
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    Karin Bonelli
    • The Orchestra’s History

      The “Great Concert” from 1842, performed under the name of “Philharmonic Academy” is still widely regarded as the beginning of the orchestra. Until that moment, the city did not have a concert orchestra that consisted of professional musicians, even though the demand for the performance of symphonic works was high and had to be met by putting together special ensembles each time.

    • The orchestra members back then were also musicians of the Vienna State Opera (then the Court Opera). This has not changed over the years. The Vienna Philharmonic is an opera and concert orchestra. It performs in concert houses all over the world, but its home is the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein. During the traditional summer break, when theatres in Vienna are closed, they perform at open-air events in the countryside and on the stages of the Salzburg Festival.

    The Magic of Live: Where to see the Vienna Philharmonic

    When it comes to acoustics and setting, no two locations are the same. One thing, however, is the same at every music event: the magic of a live performance. That is as true for a concert at the hallowed Golden Hall at the Musikverein, as it is for the futuristic cloud tower on the castle grounds of Grafenegg.

    •                         Vienna Philharmonic, New Years Concert 2021 with Riccardo Muti
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      The Vienna Musikverein

      A year’s worth of performances by the Vienna Philharmonic. With a fulminant opening: the New Year’s Concert.
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    •                         Vienna State Opera / Staatsoper Wien
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      The Vienna State Opera

      The Vienna Philharmonic consists of members of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and accompanies spectacular productions.
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    •                         Salzburg Festival - Opera
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      The Salzburg Festival

      The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the mainstays of the Salzburg Festival. Each summer, the orchestra performs in the city of Mozart.
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    •                         Grafenegg Festival / Grafenegg castle
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      The Grafenegg Festival

      When the summer stage opens, the Vienna Philharmonic plays at Grafenegg. The Festival is known for its high-calibre programme.
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    •                         Vienna Philharmonic, Summer Night Concert Schönbrunn 2021 with Daniel Harding
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      Summer-Night Concert at Schönbrunn

      A highlight of the musical calendar and an atmospheric summer evening with the Vienna Philharmonic.
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    The acoustics of a location are important for us as an orchestra; we need to adapt to each location, which makes it very exciting. Whether at the Musikverein or at an open-air event, each composition sounds differently and is received differently by the audience.

    Karin Bonelli, Flötistin, Wiener Philharmoniker
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    Karin Bonelli
    Musikverein Vienna / Vienna
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    The Vienna Musikverein

    For 150 years now, the Vienna Musikverein has been offering outstanding musical performances. Built in 1870 by Danish architect Theophil Hansen, its facades resemble a greek temple - much like a temple of music as a performance venue for contemporary musicians, rather than the heroes of antiquity.

    The Musikverein is the classic performance venue of the Vienna Philharmonic. Its „Goldener Saal,“ or Golden Hall, is known worldwide for its unique acoustics as well as its opulent interior. Seated between Apollo and the muses, the Philharmonic also perform the New Year’s Concert, an event highly anticipated by fans all over the world. The website of the Vienna Philharmonic lists information on how to get the coveted tickets for the performance. Guided tours take visitors backstage.

    Museum of the Vienna Philharmonic

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