2026
The 2026 edition of the Vienna Contemporary Composers Festival (VCCF) celebrated an extraordinary international community of composers, performers, and artists. Over two weeks in Vienna, the festival presented nine concerts featuring 66 works, including 49 world premieres, alongside an extensive program of lectures, lessons, rehearsals, and artistic collaborations.
Ensemble Dal Niente, Mivos Quartet, PHACE Ensemble, Orbit Ensemble, Red Cedar Quartet, and Wire & Whimsy delivered outstanding performances and professional recordings of contemporary music. The participation of Irvine Arditti further enriched the festival through reading sessions and artistic exchanges.
An exceptional international faculty, including Reiko Füting, Alexandra Karastoyanova-Hermentin, Clemens Gadenstätter, Eva Reiter, Anthony R. Green, Patricia Alessandrini, and many others, contributed to an inspiring environment of artistic discovery, professional development, and lasting friendships.
Participant Testimonials
"VCCF truly was the time of my life. I've rarely been part of such a supportive and friendly community of artists. There was no drama, no cattiness, just great vibes, and even greater music. I learned so much whilst at the festival, and I'm itching to begin writing again and incorporating what I've learned.
I'm so excited for the recordings, and I can't wait to share the work you helped foster with the world! Thank you so much again for a life-changing time."
— Luke Baron
"Thank you so much for organizing VCCF 2026 and making this wonderful experience possible! I had a great time in Vienna, meeting and connecting with composers and artists from different backgrounds. It was a truly memorable experience. Thank you again!"
— Cheok Kai (Mon) Ieong
Click here for VCCF 2026 Concert Programs
2025
The 2025 edition of the Vienna Contemporary Composers Festival brought together an extraordinary international community of composers, representing every continent and an inspiring diversity of cultures, languages, and musical voices. Their works reflected a wide spectrum of styles and aesthetics, enriching the festival with bold creativity and new perspectives.
PHACE ensemble, Mivos Quartet, and Fonema Consort delivered exceptional performances of participants’ works, each ensemble bringing its distinctive artistry and deep commitment to contemporary music. The presence of Irvine Arditti, who performed and recorded solo violin works, once again added a unique and invaluable layer of collaboration.
The festival’s distinguished faculty included Šimon Voseček, Alexandra Karastoyanova-Hermentin, Clemens Gadenstätter, Eva Reiter, Anthony R. Green, Patricia Alessandrini, Douglas Knehans, Simeon Pironkoff, Tiffany M. Skidmore, Katharina Klement, Paul Richards, Oliver Weber, and other notable guests, who shared their expertise through private lessons, group seminars, and lectures. Their insight, combined with the creative energy of the participants, made VCCF 2025 a truly unforgettable edition.
"I really can’t express what a wonderful experience VCCF was for me. Life changing.
My very best wishes to you all,
Jamie Mackenzie”
Click here for VCCF 2025 Concert Programs
2024
The 2024 edition of the Vienna Contemporary Composers Festival was marked by an extraordinary community of diverse composers who shared their time, talent, and creativity in Vienna. Their works showcased a remarkable range of styles and artistic vision. PHACE ensemble and Mivos Quartet continued to deliver superb performances, while new guest artists Huan Li, Eva Reiter, and Mika Pelo enriched the festival with their expertise and insight. As always, Irvine Arditti returned to record the composers' works, adding another layer of artistic collaboration to an unforgettable festival experience.
Testimonial:
"Dear Diogo & Dinah,
I am currently taking the train to the airport. This festival was a first for me, and going into it, I was unsure what to expect. I was certainly afraid of how my music might be received and how I would stack up to other composers. When first listening to faculty composers’ music and other participants’ music, I felt a bit out of place because it was so different from how I express myself musically; this made me a little afraid as well. But, the festival proved to have the best outcome possible for me. I found friends who appreciate my work and inspire me.
For several months up to this point, I had been feeling extremely uninspired. I was exhausted with many things, and composing was the last concern of mine as a business school student. I even got to the point where I wondered if I would compose again at all because I was feeling so uninspired and unconfident in my music. I was hoping this festival would at least get me excited about music again. Thankfully, it did just that and more; for the first time in a while, I am brimming with inspiration and confidence. I have no doubt this festival was precisely what I needed at this point in my progression as a composer. Thank you very much for all your hard work and for making the festival as amazing as it was.
I sincerely hope to keep in touch and continue to have opportunities to communicate with you and learn from you. Thank you again, and I’m wishing you a wonderful remainder of your summer.
Until we meet again!
Regards,
Ryan Ragsdale"
Click here for VCCF 2024 Concert Programs
