Eye on the future: the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Academy

To play in the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the ultimate symbols of achievement for a musician. Its traditions and unique playing style are renowned, but this world-famous orchestra also knows it needs to nurture the next generation of musical talent if it’s to keep thriving in the future. 

It's the reason why in 2018, for the first time in its history, the orchestra set up The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Academy. But what is it like to be a student at this prestigious finishing school for classical musicians? Musica went to the Austrian capital to meet some of them and find out. 

The Vienna Philharmonic founded its very own music academy with the principle aim of spotting and fostering a new generation of stars for its orchestra. 

Drawing up an exclusive and versatile two-year programme, the academy took on around a dozen students, including Lucas Stratmann from New York. 

"We all practise on our own by ourselves for hours a day. But we have this opportunity to come together and create this music together which is really wonderful.” 

Petra Liedauer, another one of the academy’s intake said: "I still remember very well the first rehearsal, I was very close to tears because I couldn't believe what I was experiencing.” 

One of the key objectives behind the programme is for the students to absorb the orchestra’s traditions and legendary style of play.

"The most important thing is playing in the orchestra, because that's where things are passed on and handed down," explains Michael Bladerer, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Academy's founder. 

"The lessons every week from a colleague are of course also very, very important. Chamber music is essential, when there is no conductor in front of you, because you suddenly realise when