We’re delighted to have been invited to help developing the 50th Jubilee edition of ‘Wiener Meisterkurse’, which have found a new home at one of Vienna’s iconic art deco sites, the Otto Wagner Areal, as part of a greater attempt by the Vienna Municipality to rennovate the building and fill the entire area around the listed main building with new life. 

The prestigious Wiener Meisterkurse (Vienna Master Classes) stands among the world’s top ten most sought-after summer academies, celebrating 50 years of excellence in music education. Founded by legendary conductor and pedagogue Günther Theuring in partnership with the City of Vienna, this esteemed program has been led since 2016 by conductor Jörg Birhance, who continues its rich tradition of musical excellence.  The Vienna Master Classes distinguishes itself through its commitment to continuity and sustainable artistic development. Each summer, the program transforms into a vibrant “pop-up conservatory,” welcoming 180-200 talented musicians from up to 34 countries for up to 23 specialized courses over five weeks. At its core, the program embraces Vienna’s classical repertoire as the fundamental backbone of musical development, while providing world-class instruction from renowned faculty, exceptional accompanists, and quality orchestras. The Vienna Master Classes serves diverse participants—from young prodigies to established professionals—all united by their pursuit of artistic growth in the world’s most important music city. With its perfect balance of intensive instruction and performance opportunities, the Wiener Meisterkurse continues to shape the next generation of outstanding musicians through its dedication to authentic artistic values and musical excellence.

The now home at the Otto Wagner Areal provides also the ground for the preparation of the new ABSENT MUSIC FESTIVAL  at the Chamber Hall of the Jugendstiltheater. Dedicated to the revival of rarely performed and forgotten works, the festival highlights composers whose music has been sidelined due to historical, political, or social circumstances—whether through exile, oppression, or lack of institutional support. By presenting these works alongside established repertoire in piano recitals, chamber music concerts, and a chamber orchestra performance, the festival seeks to reintegrate them into the classical music canon. Featuring internationally renowned artists and faculty from the Wiener Meisterkurse, it also emphasizes education and outreach, engaging students and the wider public. Held at a historically significant site, the festival carries a deeper mission of cultural remembrance, transforming a space marked by past injustices into one of artistic rediscovery and resilience.