Raphael Flieder, Cellist
Father’s Day, June 2017

In honor of Father’s Day, The Vienna Philharmonic Society introduces you to Raphael Flieder, a cellist in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a member of the Orchestra for 26 years and is a father of 2 children, who have developed a love for music and playing an instrument growing up in a household with a musician.

VPS: At what age did you begin playing the cello?

Raphael Flieder: I started playing at the age of 6.

VPS: Did you embrace it right away, or did you learn to love it over time, as you became better at playing?

Raphael Flieder: The love and the ambition grew after some years.

VPS: How old are your children?

Raphael Flieder: I have 2 sons and they are 29 and 27 years old.

VPS: How has your own experience impacted how you have encouraged your children to learn and explore music? Have they been receptive?

Raphael Flieder: In my experience, making music is both: pleasant and serious at the same time. Naturally, I encouraged them to keep up with many hours of work as well as to overcome even difficult times.

VPS: What instruments do they play? How did they decide on those instruments?

Raphael Flieder: One son plays the violin and the other the piano. As I am very passionate about those 2 instruments I believe I influenced them in their decision.

VPS: How did you inspire them to practice when there are many other activities and interests competing for their attention?

Raphael Flieder: In my opinion, practicing an instrument is like learning in school. It’s not always just fun, but to become better constant learning and practicing is the key to success.

VPS: What would you tell other parents who are trying to keep their children interested in playing an instrument?

Raphael Flieder: What matters the most is the love for music. Once children learn how fascinating it is to produce music and how beautiful music can be, there is a hope that they will fully accept all the effort practicing a musical instrument involves.

VPS: What other activities do you like to do with your family?

Raphael Flieder: We enjoy various genres of art, especially literature but also being active outdoors in nature.

VPS: Beyond a career with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, why is music, and being a musician important to you?

Raphael Flieder: Listening to music and making music has always been part of my life. I can not imagine my life without music because I am convinced that it has a great, positive influence on people, just as it has on me.

VPS: Many thanks to Raphael Flieder for sharing his thoughts with us.