Philharmonic Generations Vienna unites members of the Vienna Philharmonic with outstanding young talents in a unique orchestral project.
Together, they create an intergenerational ensemble that preserves Vienna’s musical tradition while opening space for fresh artistic impulses. The experienced Philharmonic musicians serve as mentors to the younger artists, sharing their knowledge, musical excellence, and stage experience. This collaboration not only fosters artistic growth but also builds meaningful connections between people of different backgrounds and generations. Philharmonic Generations Vienna stands for excellence, exchange, and openness—using the universal language of music to build bridges.
Friedrich Pfeiffer—his name stands for musical excellence and inspiration across generations. From celebrated Principal Horn of the Vienna Philharmonic to visionary founder of Philharmonic Generations Vienna, Pfeiffer brings together young talents and seasoned masters to keep Vienna’s musical culture vibrantly alive. His career began with the Vienna Boys’ Choir and led him to collaborate with some of the world’s greatest conductors, including Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, whose influence left a profound mark on him. Today, Pfeiffer captivates audiences worldwide with a unique artistic vision that unites generations of musicians and has earned international acclaim—from triumphant New Year’s concerts in China to sold-out performances at the Musikverein in Vienna.
Günter Seifert was for many years a distinguished member and a vital pillar of the Vienna Philharmonic. He received his musical education at the Mozarteum University Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His early orchestral experience began with the Camerata Salzburg. Alongside his work as an orchestral musician, he founded the Seifert Quartet as well as the Vienna Violin Quartet, achieving international success with both ensembles.
For his contributions to music, he was awarded the Silver Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. Seifert has collaborated with renowned artists such as Plácido Domingo and has received numerous distinctions throughout his career. Today, he is a member of Philharmonic Generations Vienna, where the exchange with younger musicians is especially meaningful to him.
Peter Wächter was for many years an outstanding violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic. His passion for the violin was ignited early on by his grandfather. What began as a childhood dream eventually led him onto the great stages of the world. His path took him from engagements in Bad Gastein and with the Tonkünstler Orchestra to the Vienna State Opera, and ultimately to the Vienna Philharmonic, where he found his musical home and experienced unforgettable moments with legendary conductors such as Herbert von Karajan.
As a member of the Küchl Quartet and the Vienna String Soloists, Wächter toured the world. Today, he shares his wealth of experience with Philharmonic Generations Vienna, passing on the spirit and tradition of the Vienna Philharmonic to the next generation of musicians.
Heinrich Koll served as Principal Viola of the Vienna Philharmonic and impressed audiences in Vienna and on international stages alike. Throughout his career, he worked with many of the leading conductors of his time. One of the highlights of his artistic life was performing alongside his daughter—also a member of the Vienna Philharmonic—at the New Year’s Concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
In addition to his performances, Koll is deeply committed to education. He has taught at renowned music festivals such as the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, inspiring young talents across the globe. He also led masterclasses in the United States at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of California. His involvement with Philharmonic Generations Vienna reflects his passion for supporting young artists. For Koll, the exchange with the younger generation is particularly enriching—for their artistic development as well as his own.
Manfred Hecking studied both music and medicine in Berlin and began his career as a double bassist, performing with ensembles such as the Munich Philharmonic and the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic. After turning his focus to medicine, he specialized in kidney diseases and became a highly sought-after expert in the field. Despite his medical career, music has always remained essential to him. He continues to perform as a musician and is a founding member of Sounds & Science, a project that connects music with scientific insight. In addition to his medical work, he contributes his extensive musical experience to Philharmonic Generations Vienna. He is especially delighted that his daughter is also part of the ensemble—an element that embodies the intergenerational spirit of the project in a very personal way.
Johannes Hindler served for several decades as Principal Clarinet of the Vienna Philharmonic, where he—together with Fritz Pfeiffer—played a central role in shaping the sound of this world-renowned orchestra. As one of the most respected clarinet pedagogues internationally, Hindler has trained an entire generation of clarinetists who now shine on major stages around the world. His pedagogical influence is evident in the 28 orchestral positions in Germany and Austria that have been successfully filled by his former students. Hindler holds the title of Full University Professor and has been awarded both the Golden Decoration of Merit of the Province of Salzburg and the Silver Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. Today, he contributes his vast experience to Generations Philharmonic Vienna, an orchestra that preserves Vienna’s rich musical tradition through intergenerational collaboration while embracing innovation.
Stepan Turnovsky is an exceptional bassoonist who spent many years as Principal Bassoon of the Vienna Philharmonic. His career is closely tied to this world-famous orchestra, where he performed under legendary conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and Carlos Kleiber. For decades, the Vienna Philharmonic benefited from Turnovsky’s unmistakable sound and virtuosic playing. In addition to his work with the Vienna Philharmonic, Turnovsky performed with Concentus Musicus Wien under Nikolaus Harnoncourt, playing on historical instruments. His love for chamber music led him on numerous tours and recordings, further showcasing his versatility. Today, Turnovsky performs with great enthusiasm in Philharmonic Generations Vienna, where he shares his expertise with young musicians. He also teaches around the world, passing on his profound knowledge of classical music.
Sebastian Breit, born in Vienna, became Principal Oboist of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra in 2019 at the age of 21; in 2022, he was admitted to the Vienna Philharmonic. He received his first oboe lessons at the age of eight from Peter Mayrhofer and has been studying since 2015 at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in the class of Harald Hörth. He has participated in masterclasses with renowned artists such as Christian Hommel and Céline Moinet. Breit is a prizewinner of numerous competitions and has performed as a soloist with distinguished ensembles including the Concertverein Wien, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and the Beethoven Philharmonie Baden. Before his early engagement with the Vienna Philharmonic, he gained orchestral experience as Principal Oboe of the Beethoven Philharmonie and also appeared as a substitute with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Volksoper Vienna.
Manuel Huber, born in Ried im Innkreis (Upper Austria), completed his horn studies at the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz with Albert Heitzinger and at the Conservatory Vienna Private University with Volker Altmann. He is a member of the Vienna Horns, the Vienna Brass Connection, and the Wiener Hornensemble. His career includes international tours—also as a soloist—and membership in the Musikverein St. Willibald. From 2007 to 2008, he performed with the stage orchestra of the Vienna State Opera. From 2008 to 2014, he served as 4th horn of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic. Since 2014, he has held the position of Principal Horn of the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic. Since 2020, he has also been teaching at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Rudolf Josel, born in Graz, became Principal Trombonist of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra in 1964 at the age of 25, and in 1965 he was admitted to the Vienna Philharmonic. He received his musical training at the Graz Conservatory, where he studied piano, cello, and trombone; by the age of 18, he was already performing as a trombonist with the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to his decades-long career with the Vienna Philharmonic, he appeared as a soloist with renowned orchestras across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Australia, premiering numerous works composed especially for him by contemporary composers. From 1994 to 2007, he served as Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and led international masterclasses.
He studied trumpet with Prof. Hans Meister at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. From 1976 to 1978, he served as Principal Trumpeter of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. Beginning in 1978, he performed as a trumpeter—and from 1993 onward as Principal Trumpeter—with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic. From 1981 to 1990, Hans Peter Schuh was assistant to Prof. Hans Meister at the Graz Music University. Starting in 1991, he held a professorship and lectured extensively. He was a member of the Hofburg Chapel in Vienna, of Ensemble 11, and founder and soloist of the ensemble Trumpet & Strings Vienna. His artistic career is documented through numerous recordings with Ensemble 11 and as a soloist. He has given many chamber music and solo performances in Austria and abroad—including Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in 2003 under the baton of Zubin Mehta with the Vienna Philharmonic in Vienna, India, Korea, and Taiwan; and in 2012 performing the opening concert of the Vienna Festival with the Vienna Philharmonic under Riccardo Muti.
