‘Being here is a dream come true and I am constantly being inspired from my surroundings and the musical culture here. We watched the orchestra rehearse yesterday, hearing them in person was like nothing I have ever experienced. The sound that they create in the Musikverein is so rich and vibrant, I’ve never heard anything like it!’ - Robert Sanders '21 USA, violin

‘My first 10 days in Vienna have felt like a dream. I had the opportunity to listen to the Philharmonic rehearse after our introduction to the Musikverein last Wednesday and my jaw dropped when I heard the sound they created. I had never heard any orchestral sound that warm before and I’m immensely grateful that I’ll be able to study and perform with them. It has been great time getting to know each other. It’s also been inspiring being surrounded by dedicated and passionate musicians. We are actually having our first German class this Wednesday and I’m eager to get started. It’s been a whirlwind being in a place where everyone around me is speaking a foreign language but I’m getting used to it and am starting to pick things up here and there! One thing I’ve noticed in the short time I’ve been here is how integrated the Vienna Philharmonic and classical music are into the culture of Vienna. It’s been a welcomed change of perspective and has motivated me with the feeling that I can contribute to the thriving beauty of this city.’ - Lucas Stratmann '21 USA, violin 

‘One of the best experiences during my time at the Academy was the rehearsal in which we were allowed to play a movement from the Schubert Octet for Riccardo Muti. Afterwards, he took the time to rehearse a little with us. It was incredibly exciting, because conductors like that only hear us string players in tutti and never alone. Working with such a great conductor was very exciting and it was the highlight of my time at the Academy so far ’ - David Kessler ’24 Austria, violin

‘My time at the Vienna Philharmonic Academy so far has been very exciting and intense. It is very inspiring to receive lessons and tips from so many incredible people. But what I enjoy most is being able to sit on a stage like the Musikverein with these musicians and make beautiful music together.’ - Petra Lantschner ’25 Austria, flute

‘Playing bassoon in the Vienna Philharmonic is very different from other orchestras in Europe and the U.S. The role of the winds here is much more focused on blend and the way of playing is many times very delicate. You have to be very brave and patient, to wait for the last moment to release the sound or you’ll be too early or too obvious and won’t be part of the group.’ - Trajan Sturza ’23 Romania, bassoon

‘The Vienna Philharmonic Academy offers an incredible number of opportunities, both for musical and personal development. You are offered many great opportunities that prepare you for your future career. In my opinion, the meetings with the conductors are a particularly great honor. I find it incredibly exciting not only to talk about the music but also to learn more about myself.’ - Johanna Bilgeri ’25 Austria

‘My time at the Academy has been the most exciting and instructive period of my life so far. In addition to the interesting conversations with the conductors and the varied seminars, I was able to learn the most from the members of the Vienna Philharmonic both when playing together in concert and in lessons. So far, every concert I have been able to play with this orchestra has been a special experience.’ - Julian Ritsch ’24 Austria, trumpet

‘I have found my time at the Academy so far infinitely enriching –as a violinist, musically and as a person. I particularly enjoyed the 2023 Asia tour, firstly because of the large, varied program and the opportunity to experience all the pieces anew from concert to concert, and secondly because I really enjoyed the feeling of being part of a community.’ - Assia Weisman‚’25 Switzerland, violin

‘My most memorable moment was my first concert at the Wiener Musikverein Goldener Saal. Every time I think of this moment, I get goose bumps.’ - Daniel Schinnerl-Schlaffer, '21, Austria, trumpet

‘My first project with the Vienna Philharmonic was Sibelius and Mahler 4th Symphonies with Daniel Harding and Christiane Karg. This first concert I played at the Musikverein made it very clear that this is what I love doing most in the whole world, and how privileged I am to be able to play with this wonderful Orchestra.’ - Andraz Golob, '21, Slovenia, clarinet

‘I will never forget my first concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, an indescribable and incomparable feeling of happiness to be on stage and making music together with this great orchestra.’ - Samuel Mittag, '21 Switzerland, viola