Providing the best possible conditions for all members of a university community while leaving behind a fair ecological footprint is a daily challenge.

We’ve all probably got some Beethoven clichés and images of Beethoven (and his head) kicking around in our own heads. But in this jubilee year of 2020, we’re aiming our gazes far beyond the usual notions of this famous Viennese-by-choice: Just who was this pianist, composer, artist, human being?

Art and research may not be things that one would directly associate with each other at first blush.

The goal of a truly diverse university is a lofty one. Making people fully aware of deep-seated patterns of thought and action as well as structural discrimination and both inclusionary and exclusionary criteria (in contexts such as entrance exams), calling these into question, and opening up new perspectives—all this and more plays a central role where diversity is concerned.

On 24 May 2019, honorary membership in the mdw was conferred on Friedrich Cerha in acknowledgement of his unwavering commitment to contemporary music and its appreciation as well as in recognition of his internationally lauded output as a composer.

Making music together in an ensemble as large as an orchestra brings with it numerous challenges and requires flexibility, the ability to work in a team, and the willingness to engage with each other.

It was in 1928 that the “Acting and Directing Seminar”, founded and subsequently headed by Max Reinhardt, officially set up shop at Schlosstheater Schönbrunn.