About
The Akademischer Orchesterverein (AOV) is one of the most traditional amateur orchestras in Vienna. Since its foundation in 1904, the AOV has developed into a large symphonic orchestra over the decades.
Before the Second World War it was Ferdinand Grossmann who brought the orchestra its first artistic climax. After 1945 the orchestra was shaped by Hans Swarowsky, Karl Österreicher and Karl Etti.
Since its first concert with the AOV in 1957, the artistic direction has been in the hands of Prof. Wolfgang Gabriel for almost 50 years, who has brought the orchestra to the level recognized in Viennese musical life through continuous development work. In January 2007, Christian Birnbaum was appointed chief conductor of the AOV.
Every year six to eight programs of symphonic literature as well as solo concerts and choral orchestral works are rehearsed, which are performed in the Wiener Musikverein, in the concert hall and in various churches. In addition, many orchestra members maintain chamber music in various formations. We also regularly organize chamber concerts.
The AOV is financially independent. This allows the orchestra to organize the concert programs on its own responsibility. The musical focus is on the classical-romantic repertoire - sometimes we also broaden the musical horizon to include the baroque and the present.
A special concern of ours is also the promotion of young soloists. The AOV repeatedly gives young aspiring instrumental soloists the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their talent - often for the first time.
Of course, the AOV also plays with established musicians, especially often with soloists from the Vienna Philharmonic. Soloists from the AOV's own ranks appear again and again. The AOV regularly works with choirs (in recent years especially with the Consortium Musicum Vienna and the Schola Cantorum choir association).
The joy of creating orchestral works together unites the members of the AOV across the diversity of professions and ages.