About us
Viennese tradition, brought to life
Founded in Vienna in 1997, at home at Schönbrunn Palace and acclaimed internationally as a calling card for Austria.
Great Gallery, Schönbrunn Palace
Our story
Since 1997 at Schönbrunn
The orchestra gave its first concert at Schönbrunn Palace on 8 May 1997 and has played there daily ever since, after the model of the Strauss orchestra, often in several halls of the palace on the same evening. In 2019 it celebrated its 8,000th Schönbrunn Palace Concert, in 2023 its 9,000th. In April 2026 came the 10,000th.
Guido Mancusi has been principal conductor since 1998; in that role he also founded the Chamber Opera Schönbrunn.
- Founded in Vienna
- 1997Founded in Vienna
- Concerts on five continents
- 10,000+Concerts on five continents
- Guests
- 2 millionGuests
- countries
- 30+countries
A word from the founder
In 1997 we began at Schönbrunn with a simple idea: an orchestra that plays at the palace every single evening. It has grown into more than 10,000 concerts at the palace and journeys to five continents. What drove us then still drives us today: to play Viennese music the way it is meant to sound, with respect for its tradition and joy in every concert. We look forward to welcoming you - at Schönbrunn, or wherever we are guests next.
The Viennese style
Played the Viennese way
We specialise in Viennese classical music, above all Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and in the music of the Strauss dynasty and their contemporaries. We interpret it with an individual touch, always rooted in the Viennese style of sound.
All members of the orchestra grew up or studied in Vienna, where they absorbed this style. The orchestra also accompanies singers and dancers, from symphonic concerts and New Year's concerts to opera and operetta galas and Viennese balls.
“Viennese” is in our blood.
Malta, 2026
Formations
From a small ensemble to a full orchestra
The size of the orchestra adapts to the stage and the programme. A technical rider with stage plan exists for every formation.
Concert formats
- 01New Year's concerts and tours
- 02Opera and operetta galas with soloists
- 03Symphonic concerts
- 04Ball music, including Viennese balls
- 05Festivals and chamber opera