#1 - Setting a united example

Supporting various social projects is part of who we are. We are glad to be able to touch and inspire people across the world with our music, but we also try our best to broaden our efforts further than that. Benefit concerts, sponsoring projects and social engagement are as much part of the Vienna Philharmonic - as the Philharmonic is of Vienna. We have been natives of this wonderful ‘Capital of Music’ for the last 170 years. 

The current influx of refugees into Europe throws up many questions about homeland. What do the terms citizenship and foreignness, culture and change, solidarity and separation, houses and fences actually mean? What do these values mean? In our own orchestra the public tension stimulated a discussion about possible courses of action. On top of this there is the notion that many ‘Viennese’ are not ‘real Viennese’. Around 40 musicians from the orchestra come from migrant families, and 20 of these do not own an Austrian passport. We are made up of many different nationalities, experiences and cultural backgrounds. We don’t always share the same opinion. But we love music. We are made up of many different voices but we resonate together. We have music to follow, scores and conductors. We have a voice in society and a shared desire to help others. 

Because of this the orchestra made a decision: We want to open a house for asylum seekers, which, after acquisition and adaption, will be passed into the capable hands of the DIAKONIE Refugee Service. The Vienna Philharmonic will remain actively involved in the ongoing support of the house, its inhabitants and the community in which it is located. A former inn in Lower Austria, which is spacious enough for four refugee families, was found to be perfect for the job. The Wiener Philharmoniker Haus will not just provide accommodation, but will also be a meeting place. A place for cultural dialogue, exchange and benefit concerts. Where 'polyphony' and harmony will be practised and embodied from all sides. 

We will use our voices. 
We are committed to a multi-voiced society.

Many friends and companions of the Vienna Philharmonic have already pledged their support. You too can become part of the Wiener Philharmoniker Haus, and help us set an example to others. 

We will be shortly be launching a Crowdfunding Campaign, which will allow you to become a valuable contributor, and to accompany the process up until the opening of the Wiener Philharmoniker Haus. Each and every contribution will be rewarded with a particular ‘thank you’. 

The campaign will go live on the Crowdfunding website on the 23rd November 2015 up from 5 pm. More information to follow! 

#wienerphilharmonikerhaus #home4refugees #helpingothers