Since 1986, the Wiener Mozart Koaacnzert has stood for musical quality, authenticity, and Viennese tradition.
Four decades shaped by music, passion, and international concert culture.
What began as a single concert in Vienna quickly developed into an established concert series with an international audience. Early tours abroad marked the beginning of its global presence, while performances at the Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera laid the foundation for its position in Vienna’s most renowned concert halls today.
Today, the Wiener Mozart Konzert is an integral part of Vienna’s cultural scene.
With multiple concerts per week and more than 200,000 guests annually, it combines musical excellence with a refined and authentic presentation of Viennese classical music.
Four decades of Wiener Mozart Konzert – from its beginnings in 1986 to an internationally renowned concert experience.
The first Wiener Mozart Konzert takes place in Vienna – the start of an international success story.
Already in its founding year, the Wiener Mozart Konzert performs abroad, including in Italy.
International expansion with a concert tour through Japan.
Move to the Vienna Konzerthaus and first concert with over 1,000 guests.
First concert at the Vienna Musikverein – today one of the most important venues.
Six-week tour through Japan and Korea with a total of 25 concerts.
Anniversary with open-air concerts at Schönbrunn and up to 20,000 guests in Frankfurt.
First performance at the Vienna State Opera – alongside the Musikverein a key venue of the concert series.
Opening of the office on Kärntner Straße with a direct view of the Vienna State Opera.
Performances by pianist Sophie Neubauer at the Vienna Musikverein.
Introduction of an in-house ticketing system and modernization of sales.
Up to six concerts per week – a significant expansion of the format.
For the first time, the Vienna Mozart Concert welcomes over 200,000 visitors in one year.
For the first time in its history, no concerts take place sind 34 years.
Concert operations resume after 20 months and the next generation takes over.
First concert abroad after the pause in Athens, establishing a new annual tradition.
For the first time, the Vienna Mozart Concert is led by a female conductor.
New ticket shop and special concerts with Bösendorfer at the Musikverein.
Launch of the anniversary year with new concert formats at the Vienna Konzerthaus.
Behind four decades of concert history lie countless performances, encounters and memorable moments. A few numbers and stories offer a glimpse into the remarkable history of the Vienna Mozart Orchestra.
Since its foundation, the Wiener Mozart Orchester has performed around 4,000 concerts, including more than 2,400 at the Musikverein Vienna.
Altogether, the orchestra has performed around 270,000 minutes of music – the equivalent of more than 187 days of continuous performance.
The famous Blue Danube Waltz has been performed by the orchestra for approximately 450 hours – nearly 19 days in total.
Over the past four decades, approximately 4,000,000 guests have attended the concerts of the Wiener Mozart Orchester.
To date, around 2,000 musicians have been part of the Wiener Mozart Orchester.
Over the past 40 years, nearly 160,000 wigs have been carefully styled.
Distinguished
Guests
Concerts have been attended by guests such as Hillary Clinton, Nicolas Cage, Mel Gibson, members of European royal families and many international personalities.
Hollywood
at the Vienna State Opera
During one of the orchestra’s concerts, a scene from the film Mission Impossible starring Tom Cruise was filmed on the roof of the Vienna State Opera.
A Curious
Touring Story
During a tour in Japan in 1991, the organiser requested musicians strictly in Mozart style – dark beards had to be painted white and round glasses were required.
The Wiener Mozart Konzerte were founded in 1986 by Gerald Grünbacher. In the same year, he met his wife Maria, who quickly joined the company and has shaped it ever since. Gerald was a professional musician – performing with the stage orchestra of the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic – and brought his musical network and artistic vision to the venture. Maria, who had studied engineering in Brazil, took on the technical and organisational side. She programmed the entire ticketing system herself and was the very first Mozart ticket seller on the streets of Vienna – an image that remains part of the city’s character to this day.
Daughter Sophie Grünbacher (today Sophie Neubauer) carries the family’s musical tradition forward as well: a gifted pianist, she performed alongside the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein at just 15 years old, in 2005.
Since 2020, their son Philipp Grünbacher has led the company into its second generation. In 2024 he founded the Strauss Dinner Show at Mirage in Vienna’s Prater, followed in 2025 by the Imperial Gala Concert at Palais Auersperg – a best-of concert featuring the soloists of the Vienna Mozart Orchestra.
What began in 1986 as the idea of a few musicians is today a family business that lives, carries forward and reinterprets Vienna’s musical tradition.
The Wiener Mozart Konzert reflects an extraordinary history shaped by musical excellence, international presence, and deeply rooted Viennese tradition. What began as a single concert has evolved into a globally renowned cultural experience, inspiring millions of guests. Become part of this ongoing story and experience Viennese classical music not only audibly, but truly tangibly – right where it belongs: in the heart of Vienna.
Experience Viennese classical music where it truly belongs – in the heart of Vienna.
