Listen differently

Franz Schubert's songs from different perspectives, explored in words and sound: portrait artist Julian Prégardien delves into the works of the great Romantic composer in our new cycle. He invites guests such as Bryan Brenner from the art song-loving singer-songwriter ensemble »The Erlkings«, the young soprano Erika Baikoff and the Iranian singer Avin Ahmadi to explore Schubert's oeuvre - and other treasures such as Persian songs and poetry - both artistically and in conversation.

In the first two concerts, the ball is also in your court, dear audience. You can choose compositions from Schubert's complete oeuvre, which Julian Prégardien and pianist Daniel Heide will perform in the second half. A get-together with the artists will round off the evening in the spirit of Schubert.

Great soloists are the hallmark of this edition of the »Fridays@7« cycle: Lise de la Salle revels in the melodies of Grieg's Piano Concerto, Yuja Wang can show off her virtuosity with Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2, Beatrice Rana ventures into romantic realms with Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. Anastasia Kobekina makes her debut with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and opens a particularly varied programme with Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra: Jean-Christophe Spinosi will present his homage to the rock musician Eddie Van Halen and Antonio Vivaldi as well as film music by Oscar-winner Alan Silvestri.

You will gain very special insights and exciting background knowledge when renowned presenters such as TV culture journalist Barbara Rett talk to the artists on stage at the Vienna Symphony Orchestra's matinee concerts.

Two tried and tested formats are combined here - »Im Klang« and »klangberührt«. The musicians of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra are seated on the spacious ground floor of the »Großer Saal«. The audience can sit directly between them - people with and without disabilities, including wheelchair users of course.

The proximity to the musicians and a moderation tailored to the respective needs enable a multi-sensory experience. During the moderated concert, the musicians reveal their personal approaches and thus open up a new approach to the music played.