Classical concerts at the Vienna Hofmusikkapelle

26. November 2026:

An evening of sonic surprises: instead of the expected clarinet, the saxophone takes on the soloist's role here — revealing how smoothly its warm, sensuous tone fits into the classical repertoire. Sibelius's "Valse triste" opens with morbid Viennese waltz melancholy, before Dvořák's folk-inflected Scherzo brings rhythmic momentum. At the heart of the evening are two arrangements drawn from the clarinet repertoire: Mozart's K. 581 loses none of its songful intimacy, while Weber's Op. 74 concerto gives the saxophone virtuoso room to shine. Norwegian soloist Ola Asdahl Rokkones, whose return to Vienna is eagerly awaited, joins the Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet in performances of a precision that casts familiar repertoire in an unfamiliar light.

Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet
The Wiener Kammersymphonie is a renowned chamber ensemble based in Vienna, made up of leading musicians from the city's classical music scene. Known for its precise and expressive interpretations, the ensemble has distinguished itself through a versatile repertoire ranging from the classical to the modern. It has performed in major concert halls and collaborated with outstanding soloists and conductors, establishing itself as one of the foremost chamber ensembles.

Ola Asdahl Rokkones, Saxophone
After last year's great success, saxophonist Ola Asdahl Rokkones returns to Vienna. The Norwegian musician studied with Lars Lien, Vibeke Breian, Jean-Yves Fourmeau and John-Pål Inderberg, and has appeared as a classical soloist with, among others, the Arctic Philharmonic, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra. His artistic achievements have been recognised with the Culture Prize of the City of Tromsø (2012) and the Barents Scholarship (2019), among other honours. Alongside his classical career, he is also active in jazz and has released around twelve albums, including "Norwegian Saxophone" and "Arctic Saxophone" (Challenge Records).

15. December 2026:

Two centuries of violin artistry meet: Beethoven's dramatic "Egmont" Overture sets the tone for an evening full of contrasts, before Bach's austere, contrapuntally dense A minor Concerto ushers in Baroque rigour. Haydn provides a double highlight — the theatrical "Armida" Overture and a Violin Concerto of galant elegance, in which Cornelia Gradwohl, a noted specialist in historically informed performance, can display her stylistic range between Baroque and Classicism. Three movements from Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 bring the evening to a close — compact, witty, almost defiantly unpretentious compared with its larger siblings, and a charmingly unexpected finale to an evening that shows the violin in all its facets.

Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet
The Wiener Kammersymphonie is a renowned chamber ensemble based in Vienna, made up of leading musicians from the city's classical music scene. Known for its precise and expressive interpretations, the ensemble has distinguished itself through a versatile repertoire ranging from the classical to the modern. It has performed in major concert halls and collaborated with outstanding soloists and conductors, establishing itself as one of the foremost chamber ensembles.

Cornelia Gradwohl, Violin
Salzburg-born violinist Cornelia Gradwohl is a laureate of numerous competitions and has appeared as soloist in renowned concert halls such as the Vienna Musikverein, the Mozarteum Salzburg and the Grafenegg Festival. She specialises in early music, regularly performs on the baroque violin, and is a member of the Ignaz Pleyel Piano Trio as well as the Haydn Chamber Ensemble. Since 2007 she has taught violin and chamber music at the Joseph Haydn Conservatory Eisenstadt.

22. December 2026:

A Christmas concert of rare stylistic breadth: Les Orpheistes and Chorus ALEA span the arc from Bach's crystalline A minor Violin Concerto, through a musical rarity from the pen of a composing Habsburg emperor, to Mahler's early, feverishly romantic piano quartet sketch. Beethoven's tender hymn "Die Himmel rühmen" opens the evening in a contemplative mood, while Bruckner's motets, with their soaring choral polyphony, provide moments of sacred, spine-tingling beauty. Mozart's cheerful Divertimento and two traditional Christmas carols bring festive sparkle and familiar warmth in between, before Schubert's Credo from the Mass in G major closes the evening with simple, heartfelt grandeur. A programme that skilfully interweaves chamber music, choral sound and spiritual depth — demanding, yet never over-intellectual, and perfectly attuned to the festive atmosphere of the Vienna Imperial Chapel.

Les Orpheistes
Under the artistic direction of the internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Prof. Mario Hossen, the Les Orpheistes Festival Orchestra stands for the highest musical quality. Known as a cultural ambassador of Vienna's heritage and celebrated for its innovative interpretations, the orchestra has earned acclaim in the world's most renowned concert halls.

Chorus ALEA

Chorus ALEA is a professional vocal ensemble founded in 2015 by Matthias Schoberwalter and Magdalena Janezic, performing regularly in Vienna and throughout Austria. Its repertoire spans from the Renaissance to the present day, with a particular focus on contemporary vocal music and rarely heard works. Through flexible line-ups, the ensemble combines musical diversity with stylistic openness.

Martin Sieghart, Conductor

With a rich and distinguished career, Martin Sieghart is one of Austria's most versatile artists. Alongside his successful career as a conductor, he has mentored numerous international students and founded renowned festivals. His time as principal soloist of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and his achievements as its conductor underscore his standing in the world of classical music.

Place

Wiener Hofburgkapelle / Vienna Court Music Chapel – Timeless Musical Tradition at the Heart of the Hofburg

The Wiener Hofburgkapelle, home to the prestigious Vienna Court Music Chapel (Wiener Hofmusikkapelle), is one of Vienna’s oldest and most historically significant musical venues. Situated within the majestic Hofburg Imperial Palace, this chapel enchants visitors with its blend of splendid architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and world-class classical music performances.

Every Sunday morning, the chapel hosts a solemn Mass featuring performances by the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir (Wiener Sängerknaben), members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Chorus of the Vienna State Opera. This remarkable tradition, dating back to 1498, provides a truly unique cultural experience, cherished by both visitors and locals alike.

The intimate setting of the chapel, along with its superb acoustics, creates an unforgettable musical experience, vividly bringing Vienna’s rich cultural history to life.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U3: Stephansplatz station (approx. 5-minute walk)
• Line U3: Herrengasse station (approx. 3-minute walk)

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 71: Burgring stop (approx. 5-minute walk)

Bus:

• Lines 1A, 2A: Michaelerplatz stop, directly in front of the Hofburg

Its central location within the Hofburg ensures easy and convenient access.

Vienna Court Music Chapel – Where Musical History Lives

The Wiener Hofburgkapelle offers visitors a unique glimpse into Vienna’s musical heritage, providing a memorable experience steeped in tradition and cultural splendor.