Cultural role – Fritz Kreisler

Cultural role of the competition

The Fritz Kreisler Competition, as the largest international violin competition in the country, enriches the musical landscape of Austria and music metropolis of Vienna, and is vital also in view of the new flourishing cultural centre of Central Europe.

The competition provides an international role model through its innovative ideas in terms of organization and presentation. It is a trademark for Austria, alongside the other leading international violin competitions.

The competition marks Vienna as a city ideally suited to host international music competitions, a city with great cultural tradition, which, in turn, attracts young musicians from all over the world.

The competition is a symbol of cultural diversity and tolerance and provides remembrance of the tragedy that occurred in Central Europe during the 20th century, when many scientists and artists such as Kreisler were forced to flee as a result of racism and dictatorship.

As an act of homage to Fritz Kreisler, the competition should make both the younger generation and the audience aware of his significance as a musician, artist and human being as well as of his origin in the unique cultural environment of Vienna at the turn of the 20th century.