Philharmonic Generations Vienna was founded with the goal of building bridges. Bridges between generations and people of different cultural backgrounds. The orchestra consists of former members of the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic as well as young, promising musicians at the beginning of their careers. This cross-generational collaboration aims to ensure that the Viennese music tradition is continued while promoting innovations and new interpretations. The experienced Philharmonic members, with decades of stage experience, serve as mentors, sharing their outstanding musicality and expertise with their younger colleagues. The orchestra uses the universal language of music to overcome barriers and create an inclusive community.
Friedrich Pfeiffer – a name that represents musical excellence and cross-generational inspiration. From celebrated principal horn player of the Vienna Philharmonic to the visionary founder of Philharmonic Generations Vienna, Pfeiffer connects young talents with seasoned masters to keep Viennese music culture alive. His career, which began with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, led him to work with the world’s greatest conductors, such as Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, whose influence profoundly shaped him. Today, he captivates audiences worldwide with his unique vision that unites generations of musicians and celebrates international successes – from triumphant New Year concerts in China to sold-out performances at the Vienna Musikverein.
Peter Wächter was a prominent violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic for many years. His passion for the violin was ignited early on by his grandfather. What began as a childhood dream led him to the great stages of the world. His journey took him from engagements in Bad Gastein and the Tonkünstler Orchestra to the Vienna State Opera and finally to the Vienna Philharmonic. Here, 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 traveled the world. Today, he shares his experience with Philharmonic Generations Vienna, imparting the spirit and tradition of the Vienna Philharmonic to young musicians.
Günter Seifert was a member and a cornerstone of the Vienna Philharmonic for many years. He received his musical education at the Mozarteum Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His first orchestral experiences were gained with the Camerata Salzburg. In addition to his work as an orchestral musician, he founded the Seifert Quartet and the Vienna Violin Quartet, with which he celebrated international success. For his contributions, he was awarded the Silver Honorary Badge for Services to the Republic of Austria. Seifert has collaborated with artists such as Plácido Domingo and received numerous honors. Today, he is a member of Philharmonic Generations Vienna, where he places particular importance on exchanging ideas with younger musicians.
Heinrich Koll was the principal violist of the Vienna Philharmonic and captivated audiences both in Vienna and on international stages. He collaborated with the greatest conductors of his time. A highlight of his career was performing alongside his daughter, who is also a member of the Vienna Philharmonic, at the New Year’s concert in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein. In addition to his performances, Koll is passionate about education. He taught at renowned music festivals, such as the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, and inspired young talents around the world. He also led masterclasses in the USA at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of California. His involvement with Philharmonic Generations Vienna reflects his dedication to nurturing young artists. For Koll, the exchange with the younger generation is particularly enriching, contributing to both their artistic development and his own.
Manfred Hecking studied both music and medicine in Berlin and began his career as a double bassist, performing with the Munich Philharmonic and the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic, among others. After turning his focus to medicine, Hecking specialized in kidney diseases and became a sought-after expert in the field. Despite his medical career, music remains of great importance to him. He continues to perform as a musician and is a founding member of ‘Sounds & Science,’ a project that bridges music and science. He brings his extensive musical experience to Philharmonic Generations Vienna alongside his work as a physician. He is particularly delighted that his daughter also plays there, a fact that embodies the cross-generational element in a special way for him.
Johannes Hindler was the principal clarinetist of the Vienna Philharmonic for several decades, playing a central role alongside Fritz Pfeiffer in this world-renowned orchestra. As one of the most respected clarinet educators globally, Hindler has trained a generation of clarinetists who now shine on international stages. His pedagogical success is reflected in the 28 engagements in Germany and Austria that have been successfully undertaken by his former students. Hindler also holds the title of full university professor and has received the Golden Merit Badge of the State of Salzburg as well as the Silver Honorary Badge of the Republic of Austria. Currently, he brings his extensive experience to Philharmonic Generations Vienna, an orchestra that keeps the Viennese music tradition alive through cross-generational collaboration while also fostering innovation.
Stepan Turnovsky is an outstanding bassoonist who served as the principal bassoonist with the Vienna Philharmonic for many years. His career is closely tied to this world-renowned orchestra, where he performed under legendary conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and Carlos Kleiber. The Vienna Philharmonic benefited for decades from Turnovsky’s distinctive sound and virtuosity. In addition to his work with the Vienna Philharmonic, Turnovsky performed with Concentus Musicus Wien under Nikolaus Harnoncourt on historical instruments. His love for chamber music has led him to numerous tours and recordings, highlighting his versatility. Today, Turnovsky enjoys making music with Philharmonic Generations Vienna, where he shares his knowledge with young musicians. He also teaches worldwide to share his expertise in classical music.