The Vienna Philharmonic: A life dedicated to music

The musicians of the legendary Vienna Philharmonic devote their lives to music, but what does it take to play in one of the world’s greatest orchestras?

Richard Strauss once declared, "All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement."

Upholding that standard of excellence clearly demands countless rehearsal and performance. On average the orchestra performs more than 300 operas and 100 symphonic concerts a year.

Principal harpist, Anneleen Lenaerts, says, "No single day is ever the same, but that makes it extremely exciting because then you never actually have a routine.”

The Vienna Philharmonic is frequently on tour, while many of its musicians also teach, making their profession more a way of life than simply a job.

“I think it must be a vocation because we spend so much time with our profession," explains flutist Karin Bonelli.

“Everyday life is a word I find very difficult to use because our lives are so diverse. We play in the opera, we play philharmonic concerts, we’re on tour, then we’re at the Salzburg Festival. There are days when we have rehearsals in the morning, rehearsals in the afternoon, an opera in the evening, and in between many of us teach and that's what makes it so beautiful and so varied,” Bonelli adds.

The musical legacy of the Vienna Philharmonic is handed down from one generation to the next. Its rich heritage is documented in the orchestra’s historical archive.

Sylvia Kargl guards this treasure trove which includes thousands of unique objects, letters, and photos.

Unveiling one item she says: "Here is a particularly valuable piece by Ludwig van Beethoven. It’s a piano excerpt from his opera Fidelio. And this is a very rare edition. I think there are only five copies in the world."

O