Since September 2026 Ursula Magnes is Executive and Artistic Director of the Vienna Court Music Ensemble.
The native Carinthian studied Viennese Oboe Performance and Recorder with a focus on instrumental and vocal teaching at the university of music and performing arts vienna (mdw). She graduated as Magistra Artium in 1997. She furthered her education with courses in music law and in management of cultural organisations.
From 1999 to 2025 Ursula Magnes worked as radio presenter for radio klassik Stephansdom, where she was also responsible for the programme. From 2001 to 2025 she was head of the music department, where she oversaw the planning and strategic development of the music programme and developed new broadcasting formats and concert series. During her work as radio host and music journalist she hosted artist talks and reported on national and international cultural locations.
In addition, from 2000 she has been working as a freelance presenter, author, dramaturge and curator. She hosted programmes at the Salzburg Festival, in Grafenegg, at the Carinthian Summer and at the Arsonore Festival Graz. She authored texts for cultural institutions and music labels such as Sony, Universal, Gramola and Paladino Records. She is a founding member and dramaturge for the “Manufactory of the Arts” festival in the Zacherlfabrik in Vienna.
From 2013 to 2023 Ursula Magnes was a board member for the “Friends of the Vienna State Opera”, and from 2023 to 2025 she was member of the jury for the International Classical Music Awards. Since 2020 she is a member of the jury for the “Great Talent Award” hosted by the university of music and performing arts vienna and the zeller foundation.
As director of the Vienna Court Music Ensemble Ursula Magnes combines her musical education with her years of experience in culture management, media and music communication. Her goal is to preserve the unique musical and liturgical tradition of the institution while at the same time continuing its development and visualizing its significance in the present: as Sounding Treasury in the heart of Vienna.
September 2026