Personen des Orchester 1756 in den Reihen eines Konzerthauses

About Us

One of the Best
Baroque Orchestras
of the Last 30 Years

The history of mankind in general, and of music in particular, is one of turning points. In the middle of the 18th century, the Baroque era gradually gave way to that of the Classical period. This transitional phase is what connects us, as the Orchester 1756.

Conductor and Harpsichordist Konstantin Hiller founded the ensemble in 2006 in Salzburg, establishing the city’s first permanent orchestra. We perform on “original instruments” and engage extensively with the stylistic and rhetorical aspects of 17th and 18th-century music. Since 2008, the orchestra has been performing in the Vienna Karlskirche, which we now consider our musical home.

The fact that we are regularly praised by the press fills us with both joy and humility. Being described as “one of the best Baroque orchestras of the last 30 years” is an incredibly high honor.

For more information about Orchester 1756, visit www.orchester1756.com

The Philosophy Behind Orchester 1756

Orchester 1756 organizes year-round concert series in Salzburg, Vienna, and Munich. The continuous rehearsal and extensive concert activities create an extraordinary homogeneity that can be felt from the very first note. Since 2014, Greek violinist Dimitris Karakantas, as the permanent concertmaster and soloist, has provided fresh impulses and stimulated ongoing development.

What characterizes our performance is our commitment to giving 100% every time. This requires unity and compactness. We aim to refocus ourselves on every new composition, every concert, every venue, and every atmosphere. What we performed in “Concert A” could sound completely different in “Concert B.”

– Konstantin Hiller

Our Contribution to Cultural History

The ensemble has especially committed itself to one thing: authenticity. So, if Vivaldi is in Vienna, then it’s with Orchester 1756. Our performances combine the experiential nature of a historical performance with the sound of original instruments. A Baroque concert in a Baroque church – it’s probably as close as one can get to a time travel experience.

Orchester 1756 honors Antonio Vivaldi’s legacy by presenting his music in a church that is closely tied to him as a priest and to his era. In a time without concert halls, churches were often the places where music was performed, and people gathered to enjoy it.

The greatest compliment we have ever received: “What you lack for the original sound is only the original air!”

Orchester 1756

Meet Our Team

What our audience sees during the concerts is the result of hard work. Without the dedication and commitment of all our members, such a level of quality would not be possible. We would like to shine a spotlight on those individuals who contribute indispensable work behind the scenes.

Management

Stefan Treske

Tatjana Veselinovic

Caio Santos

Evening Management

Leonard Traunfellner

Rachel McLeod

Thomas Meixner

Lukas Braumann

Mahdi El Gharbi

Harmony & Charity

Our horizon does not end with music. We are aware of our privileged position and therefore want to give back regularly. This is why we continually support selected charity projects, which we would like to introduce here.

Benefit Concert for India VAN

Through our partner Vanakkam – Association for Social Development in South India, the donations collected are directed to an NGO operating a school and children’s home in Tamil Nadu. The concert will also be held at St. Charles Church, where we will provide the orchestra. For more information, visit:

vanakkam.at

Homeless Meal Service

Since 1733, the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star in Prague have been helping the needy and suffering at the St. Charles Church site. A few years ago, the “Karl’s Kitchen” project was launched. Every Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, meals are distributed to those in need. We assist in organizing and help with volunteering on-site. For more details, visit:

kreuzherren.at/caritatives/

Hunger for Art and Culture

Visiting cultural events is often associated with relatively high costs, a barrier that remains insurmountable for many. The initiative “Hunger for Art and Culture” helps to overcome this. With the cultural pass it issues, it allows socially disadvantaged people to enter numerous cultural institutions free of charge. We also participate by offering free tickets for our concerts. For more information, visit:

hungeraufkunstundkultur.at

One of the Best Baroque Orchestras of the Last 30 Years