From July 8th to 12th, 2026, the Vienna Konzerthaus, one of Austria's leading concert halls, will once again host its inclusive Summer Music Week. Every year, up to 80 participants with and without disabilities come together for a week of making music under the guidance of professional musicians and music educators. Participation is free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from taking part.
The approach is simple: music is a universal language that connects people across differences. Developed in close collaboration with Austrian disability organizations and educational institutions, the program is open to all participants regardless of age, disability, language, background, or musical experience. Through singing, playing instruments, and joint workshops, participants learn and make music together in an inclusive environment.
In addition to developing musical skills, the Summer Music Week fosters social interaction, self-confidence, and independence. Mixed-age and mixed-ability groups encourage participants to learn from one another, strengthen their listening skills, and build meaningful relationships through shared artistic experiences. The program reflects the Vienna Konzerthaus's broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion, following extensive renovations to improve access to the historic venue.
The impact extends far beyond a single workshop week. The Summer Music Week demonstrates how cultural institutions can become more welcoming and accessible while simultaneously fostering dialogue between generations and communities. The model has proven highly transferable and can be replicated by concert halls, music schools, and cultural organizations in Austria and worldwide.
Three aspects make this project special:
- Participation included: People with and without disabilities learn and make music together in a shared environment.
- Free access: Participation is offered free of charge, thereby reducing financial barriers to cultural engagement.
- Transferable model: The program can be adapted and implemented by cultural institutions in many different contexts.
Music educator Susanne Luzia Kuster summarizes the vision as follows: "Together they become one large, wonderful unit and grow beyond themselves through the music."„
The concert hall, a prize winner of the Zero Project, demonstrates with the Summer Music Week how music can bring together people of all ages and abilities through barrier-free, inclusive participation.
Further information and registration here