Rainer Honeck Appointed Honorary Guest Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra

The Malmö Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly announces the appointment of Austrian violinist and conductor Rainer Honeck as its new Honorary Guest Conductor. The appointment is a tribute to Honeck’s profound and enduring artistic partnership with the orchestra, which has spanned more than two decades.

Honeck, Concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic since 1992, has been a recurring guest with MSO for over 20 years. His appearances in Malmö have become musical milestones for both the orchestra and its audiences, with a strong focus on the Viennese Classical repertoire.

Erik Mikael Karlsson, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Malmö Live Concert Hall and the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, comments:
“I am delighted to appoint Rainer Honeck as Honorary Guest Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra. Rainer is a musician and conductor of the highest international standing. Through his exceptional artistry, he has elevated the orchestra and deepened its understanding of the Viennese Classical repertoire – particularly the works of Haydn and Mozart – resulting in many memorable concerts for Malmö audiences over the years.”

Marika Fältskog, First Concertmaster of the MSO, adds from within the orchestra:
“Rainer Honeck has played an invaluable role in our artistic development. Each of his visits to the MSO is a greatly anticipated occasion for us musicians. He brings with him a profound musical tradition that he has consistently shared with the orchestra over the years. His meticulous attention to detail, care for every note, and refusal to settle for anything less than excellence continually inspire us. The phrase ‘I insist’ is a frequent reminder during rehearsals. With Rainer, one never ceases to grow as a musician.”

A Tradition of Viennese Evenings

Honeck’s collaboration with MSO has also led to the establishment of a cherished annual tradition: each Epiphany Eve, Malmö audiences are treated to a Viennese Evening – a festive concert with Honeck, followed by dancing to live music.

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About Rainer Honeck

Rainer Honeck began his career in 1981 as a violinist with both the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic. In 1984 he was appointed Concertmaster of the Vienna State Opera, and since 1992 he has held the same prestigious position with the Vienna Philharmonic.
He has appeared in many of the legendary New Year’s Concerts from the Musikverein in Vienna, broadcast to millions worldwide, and has also conducted New Year’s concerts with other orchestras, including the Malmö Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his work as violinist and concertmaster, Honeck is active as a conductor and Stehgeiger (leading from the violin). He has collaborated with ensembles such as the Wiener Virtuosen, the Vienna String Soloists, Ensemble Wien, and the Kammerorchester Wien–Berlin. Honeck studied violin under Professor Alfred Staar at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna.