There is perhaps no other musical ensemble more consistently and closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music than the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In the course of its over 160 year history, the musicians of this most prominent orchestra of the capital city of music have been an integral part of a musical epoch which due to an abundance of uniquely gifted composers and interpreters must certainly be regarded as unique.
The orchestra's close association with this rich musical history is best illustrated by the statements of countless pre-eminent musical personalities of the past. Richard Wagner described the orchestra " as being one of the most outstanding in the world"; Anton Bruckner called it "the most superior musical association"; Johannes Brahms counted himself as a "friend and admirer"; Gustav Mahler claimed to be joined together through "the bonds of musical art"; and Richard strauss summarized these sentiments by saying:" All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement."
The musicians endeavor to implement the motto with which Ludwig von Beethoven, whose symphonic works served as a catalyst for the creation of the orchestra, prefaced his "Missa Solemnis" - "From the heart, to the heart". The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has profound sentiments to China. In order to support the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, the orchestra played the "Chinese Posthaste" at its New Year's Concert on 1 January 2008. In this context LangLang has been given the opportunity by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver good wishes for the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 to millions of television viewers all over the world. The concert was transmitted by 56 television stations worldwide.
In order to help promoting the Shanghai World Exposition 2010 and support the friendship between China and Austria, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Maestro Zubin Mehta decided to come to Shanghai and play a concert on 27 September 2009 in the Oriental Art Center based on the theme: Bravo Shanghai World Exposition 2010" The project won the support of China Central Television (CCTV)and Shanghai TV and is also planned to be offered to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who expressed interest in a transmission in Europe.