Known as
the Vienna Philharmonic to the English-speaking world,
the Wiener Philharmoniker is an Austria-based orchestra formed in 1842 by
Otto Nicolai. Independent and democratic, the group survived the departure of its founder to last well into the 21st century. Following
Nicolai's leave, the orchestra met sporadically, but was eventually recharged and refocused by Karl Eckert in 1860. A series of conductors followed, guiding the orchestra over the next 60 years -- including
Hans Richter and
Gustav Mahler -- culminating in the decision to move away from a "permanent" conductor position in 1933. Since that time, the orchestra has been led by a series of guest conductors, including such luminaries in the classical world as
Richard Strauss,
Arturo Toscanini,
Georg Solti, and
James Levine. The group has faced some adversity in the modern world, including controversies involving racism and sexism, but has managed to persevere in the face of such criticism. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide