Universal Edition is one of the largest and most traditional music publishers in Austria. It was founded in 1901 and has been based in the Vienna Musikverein since 1914. The programme comprises over 35,000 titles and includes important names such as Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schönberg, Kurt Weill, Wolfgang Rihm and Arvo Pärt.
Universal Edition has been located at the Vienna Musikverein since 1914. At the end of the year, the publishing house will leave these traditional premises after 111 years. What at first glance appears to be a great loss at the same time represents a unique opportunity: Universal Edition will merge its two Viennese branches at a new location in Vienna, which will meet the technological and digital requirements of a future-oriented music publisher, thus creating a new, modern working environment that promotes creative collaboration and innovation even more strongly.
Universal Edition has always focussed on the new and has been involved in innovative new developments in the publishing industry. Four years ago, for example, it launched the unique publishing tool scodo, which offers composers the opportunity to be part of the renowned publishing catalogue and be professionally represented by an internationally active publishing house after successful review by the Artistic Committee. As always, UE is thus taking on a pioneering role in the development and implementation of a new, groundbreaking publishing model, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation and at the same time being closely involved in contemporary performance.
UE continues to engage with its cultural heritage with great commitment. It publishes critical complete editions, for example of Gustav Mahler, Alban Berg and Anton Webern, and is a cooperation partner of competitions, archives and universities. Next year, UE will celebrate its 125th anniversary and at the same time open a new, forward-looking chapter in the publishing house's history with its new location.
‘What felt like a regrettable loss for us at first turned out to be an opportunity for the further development of the publishing house on closer inspection. Since its foundation, Universal Edition's identity has been characterised by its composers, their works and their international representation. Our aim is to cultivate their musical heritage and at the same time to continue to consolidate and expand their status in current and future musical life. Our strengths are the issues of the present: digitalisation, modern music publishing and an ear on the pulse of time.’
Astrid Koblanck, Managing Director Universal Edition
‘We shape the future of music’ – Universal Edition is looking forward to the coming years with all their innovations.