2026 Vienna Concert Festival
Festival dates:
Session 1: 15 – 18. July 2026
Session 2: 22 – 25. July 2026
Presented by WIEN KLASSIK, the Association for Friends of Classical Music, and the Traditionelles Wiener Kaiser & Königliches Symphonieorchester, the 3rd Vienna Concerto Festival 2026 will take place in the historic Ehrbar Hall in the heart of Vienna. Over 15 talented musicians from around the world will come together for 4 days full of masterclasses, rehearsals, and public orchestral concerts.
The festival offers emerging musicians the opportunity to perform one to three movements of a concerto with the Traditionelles Wiener Kaiser & Königliches Symphonieorchester (approximately 35 musicians). Participation is open to musicians of all ages; selection is based on a video audition.
Music festival program
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Two individual masterclasses with internationally renowned lecturers
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Four intensive rehearsal periods with Traditionelles Wiener Kaiser & Königliches Symphonieorchester, with a special focus on the performance practice of concerts.
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A public concert performance in the renowned Ehrbar Saal.
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A professional recording under the direction of an internationally active music producer.
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International media presence, including coverage in major European publications such as the European Times, ensures valuable international visibility.
Through close collaboration with the orchestra and international exchange, participants broaden their artistic horizons, refine their interpretative skills, and establish lasting contacts.
Festival schedule – Example Session 1
Session 1: July 15 - 18, 2026
Session 2: July 22 - 25, 2026
July 15:
Masterclass, two-piano rehearsals
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July 16:
Morning:
Masterclass, two-piano rehearsals
Afternoon / Evening:
Orchestra rehearsal (3 hours)
July 17:
Orchestra rehearsal (3–4 hours)
July 18:
15:30–18:00 (approx. 2.5 hours):
dress rehearsal
18:00–18:45: Break and dinner
18:45: Admission / Call Time
19:00–22:00: Concert (including a 25-minute break)
Session 2: July 22 – 25, 2026
The schedule, masterclasses, rehearsals, and concerts are identical in both sessions. Participants can choose one of the two sessions based on their personal availability.
Participation fee for the festival: €2600
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Concert performance lasting up to 12 minutes
(Shorter performances are charged at a flat rate of 12 minutes, longer performances are charged to the minute) -
Four intensive rehearsal periods with Traditionelles Wiener Kaiser & Königliches Symphonieorchesterwith a special focus on concert practice
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Professional sound recording under the direction of an internationally renowned music producer.
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Two individual masterclasses for soloists
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Final concert in the Ehrbar Saal in Vienna
Ehrbal Saal
The Ehrbal-Saal (built 1867/1877) in Vienna's 4th district is one of the city's most prestigious concert halls. Its history is marked by performances from legendary artists: Johannes Brahms, Anton Bruckner, Gustav Mahler (world premiere of Das klagende Lied), Anton Rubinstein, and Arnold Schoenberg (world premiere of Gurrelieder I) all performed here. Today, international stars such as Sir András Schiff continue to perform, making the hall a vibrant center of classical music history.
