DJ versus orchestra star

Two musicians who have both lived in Vienna for many years share their favorite sides of the city. Joyce Muniz and Thilo Fechner on their love of music and Vienna.

Joyce Muniz Vienna’s club culture ranges from raves in stuffy underground locations to electronica nights in fashionable venues – and everything in between. The scene is constantly growing and dance addicts get to enjoy clubs that are gaining an international reputation. Joyce Muniz is a regular fixture on Vienna’s club circuit. Born in Brazil, the DJ, singer, and music producer moved to the Austrian capital at the age of 12. She was just 16 when she played her first gig – making her the youngest female DJ in Vienna at the time. Today she’s still going strong as a DJ, producer, and radio host, and has completely dedicated herself to music. – © De Fotomeisjes

Thilo Fechner The Vienna Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra that enjoys the very highest reputation worldwide. All of its members are also members of the Vienna State Opera orchestra. And it’s not only at the New Year’s Concert and the Summer Night’s Concert that the Vienna Philharmonic plays to thousands of rapt listeners. Orchestra member Thilo Fechner was born in 1968. The violist has an impressive musical education and many years of orchestral experience. Following a successful audition in 2004, he joined the viola section of the Vienna State Opera, and shortly thereafter the Vienna Philharmonic. Since 2005 he has also been responsible for planning and managing the Vienna Philharmonic’s tours, and he is project manager for the Summer Night’s Concert in front of Schönbrunn Palace. Fechner also plays in the Philharmonix ensemble. – © Fadil Berisha

How did you get into music, and what was it about electronic music that appealed to you?

Joyce Muniz: Music has always been present in my life, starting with my childhood in Brazil, since most of my mother’s side of the family were percussionists. I came to Austria when electronic music was making a major breakthrough in the city, and of course as a teenager I got involved in the club scene through friends and acquaintances – discovering my love of music and, above all, bass! It was only a question of time before I bought my first records, and soon enough I came up with the idea to start creating my own sounds.

How did you get into music, and what was it about classical music that appealed to you?

Thilo Fechner: My parents are musicians. They never forced me to practice, so I never practiced for more than ten minutes a day. When I was 12, I began making electronic music in the cellar of my parents’ house. After graduating from high school when I was 18, I suddenly discovered classical music for myself, and started practicing a minimum of ten hours a day. Then I went to America to study. From that point on I have never asked myself whether I might prefer to do something else.

You were born in Brazil. Why do you now live in Vienna?

Joyce Muniz: I came to Vienna with my parents – nothing spectacular I’m afraid.

You were born in Germany. Why do you now live in Vienna?

Thilo Fechner: Vienna is the best city for musicians. It always has been. Coming into contact with music and musicians is simply part of life here, and that’s unique.

For you, music and Vienna is like...

Joyce Muniz: ...life in the forest. There is total silence, but then as soon as something happens, it’s unmissable.

Thilo Fechner: ...the beach and sunshine.

What do you like about “musical Vienna”?

Joyce Muniz: While Vienna is pretty small, there’s a great variety of music out there happily hiding in the underground. It takes some looking for, but as soon as you find it, the reward is often fantastic.

Thilo Fechner: Opera premieres are the talk of the town, people with instrument cases are part of the urban landscape, and toilets that play waltz music make tourists happy.

Describe your perfect day in Vienna.

Joyce Muniz: I’m a late riser and love it that I can still get brunch after 12. After that my favorite thing is to take advantage of the good fortune we have in Vienna, grab my dog and head straight for the woods surrounding the city, to give my head some space and get away from the everyday.

Thilo Fechner: In the morning, riding my racing bike from the city center into the Vienna woods. Breakfast at Joseph Brot on the way there. After the bike ride, a pitstop at Motto am Fluss. Then an hour’s practice – free from stress. In the afternoon, a visit to one of the more than 100 museums in Vienna. A session in the gym before dinner, at John Harris on Schillerplatz (in our line of work, physical fitness is very important). Then dinner at Artner in the Wieden district, followed by a drink at Heuer at the Kunsthalle Wien Karlspatz.

What would you say is an absolute must in Vienna?

Joyce Muniz: A walk through the city center at night, ideally in summer.

Thilo Fechner: A long stroll in the first district, to take in the unique architecture.

It’s Saturday night and you’re going out. How do you spend the evening?

Joyce Muniz: On Saturday nights I’m rarely at home, because I’m usually working. If I’m in Vienna, ideally I’ll spend my evening at home with friends and family. Since I love cooking I’ll prepare the food myself. Often the evening will end with a visit to the theater or in a bar – Vienna has lots to offer besides the club scene.

Thilo Fechner: Unfortunately, I always have to play on a Saturday evening.