Concert hall, built 1867-1870 by Theophil Hansen for the "Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde" (also known as "Musikverein"). Opened 6 Jan 1870. 2001-2004 major rebuilding of the whole complex (addition of new halls and rehearsal rooms, several technical alterations). Home to the "Orchesterverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde" and the "Wiener Symphoniker" orchestras as well as the "Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde" chorus. Also regularly used by the Wiener Philharmoniker and the RSO Wien. Used for ca. 500 symphonic and chamber concerts per year.

The complex includes several halls:

• "Großer Musikvereinssaal" (also known as "Goldener Saal" [Golden Hall]). Sculptures by Franz Melnitzky. Famous for its excellent acoustics. 1744 seats (+ 300 standing).
• "Brahms-Saal". Opened 1870 as "Kleiner Saal" with a concert by Clara Schumann. Later alterations. 1937 renamed in honour of the German composer, Johannes Brahms, who created many of his piano works in this hall. 1992-1993 renovations to the original plans. Used for chamber concerts and Lieder recitals. Ca. 600 seats.
• "Gottfried-von-Einem-Saal". Opened as "Kammersaal". Renovated 1996. Renamed in honour of the Austrian composer, Gottfried von Einem (1918-1996). Used for small concerts, lectures and functions. Also used as a rehearsal room and as engineering room during sound recordings.
• "4 Neue Säle" [4 New Halls], built 2001-2004 by Wilhelm Holzbauer and Dieter Irresberger. Acoustic consultant: Bernd Quirin.
  • "Gläserner Saal" [Glass Hall], used for orchestra rehearsals and concerts. In honour of a sponsor, also known as "Magna Auditorium". 380 seats.
  • "Hölzerner Saal" [Wooden Hall], used for chamber music rehearsals. Also used as an extension of the foyers. 50 seats.
  • "Metallener Saal" [Metallic Hall], used for sound experiments of all kinds. 70 seats.
  • "Steinerner Saal" [Stone Hall], used for lectures, presentations, discussions, and exhibitions. 60 seats.

Notable world premieres:

• Johann Strauß jr.: Wiener Blut (Waltz op. 354, 22 Apr 1873)
• Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 2 (30 Dec 1877)
• Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (revised version, 20 Feb 1881)
• Arnold Schönberg: Verklärte Nacht (18 Mar 1902)
• Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (sets 1-3, 11 Feb 1903)
• Arnold Schönberg: Pelleas und Melisande (25 Jan 1905)
• Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (26 June 1912)
• Arnold Schönberg: Gurre-Lieder (23 Feb 1913)
• Maurice Ravel: Piano Concert for the Left Hand (27 Nov 1931)
• Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F major (2 Dec 1883)
• Gustav Mahler: Kindertotenlieder (1904)
• Anton Webern: Passacaglia op. 1 (1908)
• Maurice Ravel: Piano Concert for the Left Hand (27 Nov 1931)

Link: www.musikverein.at