In December 2023, a resolution by the University Board approved a new name for the Joseph Hellmesberger Department of String Instruments, Guitar and Harp in Music Education, which will henceforth be known as the Alma Rosé Department of String Instruments, Guitar, and Harp in Music Education—making it the first mdw department to be named after a woman.

In celebration of Human Rights Day, 11 December 2023 witnessed an event that revolved around the arts, artificial intelligence, and democracy. Its keynote, “The machine’s obviously not in the mood* – Wie künstlich (intelligent) ist Kunst und was bedeutet das für die Demokratie?” [… – How artificial(ly intelligent) is art and what does this mean for democracy?], was delivered by Eugenia Stamboliev.

The concept of the physically existing hall at the mdw in combination with the digital web resource spiel|mach|t|raum entails the annual selection of a different woman from the history of the mdw as the academic year’s inspiration and champion, with the chosen individual prominently featured so as to ensure her a permanent place in the mdw’s institutional memory. Maria Becker was selected for the present academic year of 2023/24.

In March 2024, the new platform “Connect mdw” will go online and offer free networking for mdw alumni and other members of the mdw community. Those who register will be able to access contacts from the mdw’s network in a way that’s custom-tailored to their own desires and interests.

This past October, on the occasion of her 95th birthday, members of the public had the privilege of experiencing this exceptional personality in conversation at the mdw as part of an “Evening for and with Gertraud Cerha” at which a presentation of archival material also offered exclusive glimpses into her life and work.

Since the establishment of the mdw’s certificate programme in Music Physiology seven years ago, its total of 66 graduates have included twelve members of the mdw teaching faculty. This programme’s objective is to create an awareness around healthy music-making among music teachers—whether they work at the University or in music schools.

Since October of last year, a new leading team has been at the helm of the Leonard Bernstein Department of Wind and Percussion Instruments. Michael Pircher, Michaela Reingruber, and Martin Mühlfellner speak about ongoing projects, the style of teamwork they’ve developed, and the goals they’ve set themselves for the coming four years.

Since last autumn, higher education didactics expert Caroline Ebel has been responsible for working with the studies commissions on the development of teaching at our institution as well as for the advising, coaching, and professional development of faculty. In the following conversation with mdw Magazine, Ebel provides an initial impression of how her work has been progressing.

In January 2024, the mdw is co-launching the first European University Alliance in the area of music and performing arts. In July 2023, the EU Commission granted the mdw and seven European partner universities approval for IN.TUNE.