Friedrich Pfeiffer - Maestro of the Generations
Friedrich Pfeiffer gained international recognition as the principal horn player of the Vienna Philharmonic and has also made a name for himself as a conductor and the founder of Philharmonic Generations Vienna. His career is marked by outstanding musical achievements and an unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between different generations of musicians.
A Musical Ascendancy
Deeply rooted in the Viennese music tradition, Friedrich Pfeiffer began his impressive career with the Vienna Boys’ Choir. After stints with the Vienna Symphony and the Vienna State Opera, his journey eventually led him to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic. With them, he performed under the direction of legendary conductors such as Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein in the grand concert halls of the world.
Inspired by Bernstein
A defining experience was the collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, with whom Friedrich Pfeiffer recorded the famous Mahler cycle for Deutsche Grammophon. To this day, Pfeiffer considers Bernstein a mentor and role model. Bernstein’s commitment to an open society and his ability to transcend boundaries had a lasting impact on Pfeiffer. This inspiration ultimately led to the founding of Philharmonic Generations Vienna. This unique orchestra was established with the goal of bringing together young talents and experienced musicians while preserving Viennese musical culture.
International Successes
The Chinese New Year concerts at the sold-out Vienna Musikverein were resounding successes and led to numerous invitations to China. Several successful tours in Asia underscore Friedrich Pfeiffer’s contribution to cultural exchange between Europe and Asia. Notably, he conducted the spectacular New Year concert in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. Other highlights of his conducting career include the performance of Verdi’s Requiem with the Sofia Philharmonic.
Fruitful Partnerships
An important supporter of Friedrich Pfeiffer is the longtime director of the Vienna State Opera, under whose management Pfeiffer conducted numerous children’s operas. Additionally, he has worked with renowned orchestras such as the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Sofia Philharmonic, the National Opera Moldova in Chișinău, the Timișoara Opera, and the Bucharest Opera.
Friedrich Pfeiffer is a shining example of musical brilliance and dedication, whose work has a lasting impact on the international music scene. For his long-standing contributions to the Salzburg Festival, he was awarded the Golden Merit Badge of the State of Salzburg on August 8, 2007, an honor that recognizes his outstanding contributions to music and his tireless pursuit of artistic excellence.