Rondo Vienna

Since its founding by Barbara Helfgott, the Rondo Vienna has become a well-known name among music lovers. It is made up exclusively of female members and performs in various formations of up to twenty-four musicians. The orchestra is a regular guest in important concert halls, such as the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, and the Konzerthaus in Vienna. Through its extensive international travel, and alongside its regular collaboration with the world-reknowned Spanish Riding School, the ensemble acts as a global ambassador for Austrian culture. 

Rondo Vienna’s repertoire includes not only traditional Viennese music and standard classical orchestral works, but also an outstanding Pop program: a unique interpretation of modern hits, highlighted by a musical and rhythmic fireworks display from the ensemble and solo violin virtuosity from Barbara Helfgott.

Stylistic versatility is an emphasis in selecting the members of the ensemble. Although each performer has roots in the classical and Viennese music traditions, several members are also internationally recognized jazz and pop musicians.

The Rondo Vienna is both an independent ensemble and a sought-after accompanying orchestra for well-known solo artists. Impressive scenic performances and show acts are made possible by the musicians‘ ability to play from memory. The resulting independence from sheet music and music stands creates extraordinary freedom of movement and direct contact with the audience.

Several CDs and recordings for radio and television in Austria and abroad round off the activity of this exceptional ensemble.

About Barbara Helfgott

Born near Vienna, Barbara Helfgott learned to play the violin before she could read or write. At age 10, she won her first competition, which was the beginning of a long series of national and international successes, leading to her admission to the gifted class at the University of Music in Vienna, where she studied with Professor Günter Pichler, the leader of the Alban-Berg-Quartet. After graduating, she attended various masterclasses, including violin studies with Zakhar Bron, and singing studies with Professor Franz Lukasovsky.

At a very young age, Barbara became concertmaster of several Viennese orchestras, such as the Neue Oper Wien, the Ensemble des 20. Jahrhunderts, the Kammeroper Wien, and the Sommerfestspiele Mörbisch. Active as a soloist and chamber musician both nationally and internationally, she also made recordings for radio and television worldwide.

In 2007, Barbara Helfgott founded the ensemble „Rondo Vienna,“ which she has been leading as artistic director and solo violinist ever since. Four solo CDs have emerged from this collaboration, and they have performed concerts together in many parts of the world.

Collaboration and exchange with renowned artists from classical, jazz, and pop genres provide diversity and constant artistic development and inspiration. Special mention should be made of the duo project with saxophonist Barbara Paierl and the electronic project with DJ Raphael.

Links & Downloads

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Download Folder (pdf)

Sound-Samples (mp3)
Billy Jean
The Winner takes it all
Maniac
Flashdance

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