2026100th Birthday of Friedrich Cerha - Set

Friedrich Cerha was an outstanding artist who worked across a wide range of musical fields. In 2026, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

Vienna-born Friedrich Cerha (1926–2023) began learning the violin as a child. He studied, among other subjects, violin and composition, initially taught at a school, and from 1959 onwards at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. With the ensemble die reihe, which he founded in 1958, he devoted himself to the interpretation of contemporary music. Well into old age, Cerha remained a highly respected violinist, composer and conductor, and was also active as a painter and sculptor. His music is often described as “nonconformist”. He composed operas, orchestral works and pieces for solo instruments, conducted numerous renowned orchestras and received many awards. Friedrich Cerha died in Vienna in 2023.