Rainer Küchl, a founding member of the Wiener Ring-Ensemble (WRE), will retire from the ensemble after their upcoming Japanese tour in January 2026. He has led this prestigious group for thirty-five years as the first violinist.

Rainer Küchl formed the WRE with fellow Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra members to introduce little-known masterpieces such as waltzes and polkas composed by the Strauss family, Joseph Lanner, Carl Michael Ziehrer and others. In 1991, when Rainer Küchl was the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s concertmaster, he led the WRE’s first visit to Japan.
The WRE has since brought to Japan exactly the same Viennese sound and festive spirit as the famous “Vienna Philharmonic New Year Concert,” which is broadcast live worldwide on New Year’s Day.The WRE’s concerts in January became representative of New Year’s concerts featuring Viennese waltzes and polkas in Japan, and it would be no exaggeration to say that the presence of Rainer Küchl has embodied such a fresh and delightful New Year’s ambiance.

Rainer Küchl is deeply grateful to the audience in Japan for their support over the years, and feels truly honored to have had the opportunity to interact with many people through the WRE’s Japanese tours.

In January 2026, the WRE led for the last time by Rainer Küchl will perform in Saitama, Tokyo, Osaka and Fukui.
With the top-notch musicians of the WRE, let’s celebrate the start of the year 2026!

Wiener Ring-Ensemble
Rainer Küchl, Violin
Daniel Froschauer, Violin
Heinrich Koll, Viola
Stefan Gartmayer, Cello
Michael Bladerer, Contrabass
Karl-Heinz Schütz, Flute
Alex Ladstätter, Clarinet
Johann Hindler, Clarinet
Ronald Janezic, Horn

The future member lineup of the WRE after Rainer Küchl’s retirement will be announced at a later date.

Event Details:
https://www.kajimotomusic.com/eng/concerts/2026-wre/