By exploring the praxis of instant composition conducting over the last two decades, absolute ad hoc composing on the part of both the ensemble and the conductor, creating full-lenght, stringent narrative instant compositions, and having established its very unique sound image over the years, the Vienna Improvisers Orchestra has taken on a pioneering role in conducted large ensemble improvisation. Founded in 2004 by Michael Fischer as one of the earliest improvisation orchestras, the VIO looks back on captivating audiences as a guest at the legendary Moers-Festival, where its concert was acclaimed with standing ovations lasting minutes, at contemporary music festival Wien Modern, Artacts festival for Jazz and Improvised Music, at numerous appearances in the context of the fine arts a.m.m.

In 2024, the VIO celebrates its 20th anniversary within a series of concerts, e.g. at the Klima Biennale Wien or the Porgy & Bess, and, on Dec. 16th, with the final concert ‘unfolding poetic vision(s) on common ground’ at the internationally renowned brut Wien – and is already looking forward to the upcoming vinyl album release of the recording of its concert at the Moers Festival 2022.

© Georg Cizek-Graf