Gala Matinee 50th Anniversary Musikgymnasium

Stemming from an idea and concept of Philharmonic member Wolfgang Koblitz, a Gala Matinee to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vienna Musikgymnasium was held on Sunday, October 19, 2014, in the Vienna State Opera. Christian Thielemann conducted an orchestral ensemble consisting of students and graduates of the Vienna Musikgymnasium, among whom were a considerable number of Philharmonic members from the school's earlier days on the Neustiftgasse.

On the program were Richard Wagner's overture to the opera, "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg"; Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante for Winds and Orchestra in E-flat major, KV 2976, and the finale of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125, for soloists, chorus and orchestra. The instrumental soloists were Clemens Horak (Oboe), Matthias Schorn (Clarinet), Wolfgang Lintner (Horn), and Benedikt Dinkhauser (Bassoon). The singers were Cornelia Horak (Soprano), Martina Mikelic (Alto), Norbert Ernst (Tenor) and Ain Anger (Bass).  Christoph Wagner-Trenkwitz was the moderator for the event. Speeches were given by Mag.a Gerda Schallamon, the current director of the Musikgymnasium, Mag.a Dr. Susanne Brandsteidl, the president of the educational council of the City of Vienna, as well as by Prof. Helmut Zehetner, Vice-Chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic.