The New Vienna Octet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in Vienna, Austria in 1956. The ensemble was formed by a group of young musicians who were studying at the Vienna Academy of Music. The founding members of the New Vienna Octet were clarinetist Alfred Boskovsky, bassoonist Gunther Breitenbach, horn player Josef Veleba, cellist Nikolaus Hübner, and the string quartet of Willi Boskovsky, Walter Panhoffer, Rudolf Streng, and Ernst Weissensteiner. The New Vienna Octet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to perform a wide range of classical music repertoire. The ensemble's unique sound was characterized by their use of period instruments, which gave their performances a distinctive and authentic quality. Over the years, the New Vienna Octet has undergone several changes in membership, but the ensemble has remained committed to their original mission of performing classical music with passion and precision. Some of the most notable members of the New Vienna Octet include clarinetist Dieter Flury, bassoonist Stepan Turnovsky, horn player Wolfgang Tomboeck, and cellist Josef Niederhammer. Throughout their long and illustrious career, the New Vienna Octet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The ensemble has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the highlights of the New Vienna Octet's career was their performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1962. The ensemble's performance of Mozart's Serenade No. 10 in B-flat major, K. 361, also known as the "Gran Partita," was widely praised for its beauty and elegance. The New Vienna Octet's recording of the "Gran Partita" remains one of the most beloved and iconic recordings of this piece. Another notable performance by the New Vienna Octet was their collaboration with the legendary pianist Alfred Brendel. The ensemble and Brendel performed a series of concerts together in the 1980s, which were widely praised for their musicality and artistry. In addition to their performances and recordings, the New Vienna Octet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. The ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of Mozart's Divertimento in E-flat major, K. 563, and they were also awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. Despite the many changes in membership and the passing of several of its founding members, the New Vienna Octet continues to perform and record classical music with the same passion and dedication that has characterized the ensemble since its founding over six decades ago. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and their unique sound have made them one of the most beloved and respected classical music ensembles in the world.

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