The Vienna Octet
The Vienna Octet is a chamber music ensemble that originated from members of the Vienna Philharmonic and represents a rich Viennese playing tradition that continues to this day. The ensemble's founding figure is considered to be Willy Boskovsky, the legendary concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, who became famous not only for his interpretations of waltzes and polkas by the Strauss dynasty, but also for his numerous recordings of chamber music works with the Vienna Octet.
Founded in 1947, the ensemble quickly developed into one of the most renowned chamber music ensembles of its time. In particular, the recordings of the Octet performing works by Franz Schubert set new standards, and other works of the Viennese Classical period also showcased the unique Viennese sound and musicianship of this music.
After a period in which Werner Hink continued the ensemble based on the Vienna String Quartet, the Vienna Octet is now being carried on by a new generation. Under the direction of Yamen Saadi, the youngest concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, the musicians are Katharina Engelbrecht (violin), Sebastian Führlinger (viola), Wolfgang Härtel (cello), Christoph Wimmer (double bass), Matthias Schorn (clarinet), Benedikt Dinkhauser (bassoon), and Josef Reif (horn).
The ensemble sees it as its task to preserve the Viennese sound tradition of its predecessors and at the same time to develop it further with fresh enthusiasm and artistic independence.
Yamen Saadi
Violin
The youngest concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic received his initial musical training in Israel and moved to Berlin at the age of eleven to attend the Barenboim-Said Conservatory. There he was significantly influenced by Daniel Barenboim. He plays an Antonio Stradivari violin from Cremona, dating from 1734 ("ex Kreisler"), which is on loan to him from the Stretton Society.
Katharina Engelrecht
Violin
Katharina Engelbrecht is a member of several award-winning chamber music ensembles and also teaches at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Sebastian Führlinger
Viola
Sebastian Führlinger completed his studies in Vienna and is deeply committed to chamber music. In addition to his concert activities, he teaches at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Wolfgang Härtel
Cello
Wolfgang Härtel studied in Graz and Vienna and performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Another focus of his work is the training of young musicians.
Christoph Wimmer
Double bass
Christoph Wimmer-Schenkel is principal double bassist of the Vienna Philharmonic and has been a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for several years. In addition to his chamber music activities, he is heavily involved in nurturing young musical talent.
Matthias Schorn
Clarinet
Matthias Schorn is principal clarinetist of the Vienna Philharmonic and founder of various ensembles from diverse musical styles. He moves between classical music, folk/brass band music, and cross-genre projects, is the initiator and artistic director of several festivals, and a passionate educator.
Josef Reif
Horn
Josef Reif studied horn in Vienna and was a member of various opera and concert orchestras for many years. He is also active in several ensembles of different musical styles.
Benedict Dinkhauser
Bassoon
Benedikt Dinkhauser studied in Vienna and is passionately active as a chamber musician and soloist. He regularly gives masterclasses at music universities both in Austria and abroad.