The Tonkunstler Orchestra (Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich) is an Austrian orchestra based in Vienna and St. Pölten, Lower Austria. The orchestra’s name has its origins in the Tonkünstler-Sozietät, Wien, which was organizing concerts in the era of Haydn and Mozart. This name lived on in the Viennese “Tonkünstler Orchestra Association”, which was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. The first concert was performed in 1907 at the Musikverein presenting works of Karl Goldmark, Edvard Grieg, Franz Liszt and Ludwig van Beethoven.
- 1907: Wiener Tonkünstler Orchester founded with 83 musicians; first concert on 10 October 1907 at the Vienna Musikverein. Conductors: Oskar Nedbal (1874-1930), Hans Pfitzner (1869-1949) and Bernhard Stavenhagen.
- 1913: Premiere of the “Gurre-Lieder” by Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) with the Philharmonic Choir. Conductor Franz Schreker (1878-1934).
- 1919 to 1923: Principal Conductor: Wilhelm Furtwängler.
- 1932-1933 season: Guest conductors: Bruno Walter (1876-1962), Otto Klemperer (1885-1973), Felix von Weingartner (1863-1942), Hans Knappertsbusch and Hermann Abendroth.
Year 1907. 10-10-1907. Vienna Tonkunstler Orchestra.