The Musikverein sees cultural participation as a central part of its social mission. Based on the conviction that music is a unifying cultural asset accessible to all, the institution develops formats that take into account different realities of life, age groups and needs. The aim is to break down barriers – whether social, financial or experience-related – and enable as many people as possible to participate in musical life.
This led to the creation of the Hör-Bar with Petr Popelka and members of the Wiener Symphoniker, of which Popelka is the principal conductor. Depending on the instrumentation and characteristics of the works, the stage layout and thus the audience seating in the Glass Hall are adapted. The music is performed in a relaxed atmosphere, after which Petr Popelka and the orchestra members mingle with the audience and are available for conversation at the bar. Popelka himself, who also performs as a pianist and double bassist, acts as moderator.
The six concerts in the Auszeit series will also take place in the Glass Hall: the lights are dimmed, and the audience can sit on carpets, cushions or deckchairs around the performers, who are positioned in the centre, allowing them to listen in a relaxed yet focused manner. The events are deliberately held on weekdays at 6 p.m. and last one hour without an interval.
Composer and pianist Marino Formenti is curating night flowers, his third concert series of contemporary music as part of the Musikverein Festival, in 2026/27. These late-night concerts follow on from the main programme and are free of charge. In addition to the Musikverein’s concert halls, they take place in unusual locations such as foyers and are intended as contemporary interventions that correspond with the respective classical evening concert. The ‘night flowers bar’ with DJ and drinks invites you to linger.
