17 Facts About Philipp Harnoncourt

Philipp Harnoncourt or Philipp Graf de la Fontaine und d'Harnoncourt-Unverzagt was an Austrian theologian, priest and musician.

Philipp Harnoncourt was appointed professor at the University of Graz in 1972 and was head of the institute of liturgics, Christian art and hymnology until his retirement in 1999.

Philipp Harnoncourt focused on the Trinity, founded the art prize 1+1+1=1 for new works related to the concept, and initiated the restoration of a chapel first dedicated to the Trinity.

Philipp Harnoncourt was born into nobility in Berlin, the son of Eberhard Harnoncourt and Ladislaja Johanna Franziska nee Grafin von Meran, Freiin von Brandhoven.

Philipp Harnoncourt moved with his family to Graz in 1931, living in the family residence Palais Meran.

Philipp Harnoncourt studied theology at the University of Graz and in Munich where he was influenced especially by Romano Guardini, and after finishing his studies, he was ordained as a priest on 11 July 1954.

In 1963, Philipp Harnoncourt founded a department for church music which became later part of the Kunstuniversitat Graz.

Philipp Harnoncourt was appointed professor at the University of Graz in 1972, and served until his retirement in 1999 as head of the institute of liturgics, Christian art and hymnology.

Philipp Harnoncourt is regarded as an influential liturgist after the Second Vatican Council.

Philipp Harnoncourt promoted the changes in the liturgy, in theological reflection of services, and a strong ecumenical approach.

Philipp Harnoncourt contributed to the first common Catholic hymnal in German, Gotteslob, which appeared in 1975, and published over 500 works.

Philipp Harnoncourt was instrumental in the ecumenism of Catholics and the orthodox churches.

Philipp Harnoncourt worked in the Graz section of Pro Oriente until his death, and was its honorary president.

Philipp Harnoncourt was awarded an honorary doctorate in Orthodox Theology from the Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu in Romania in 1997.

Philipp Harnoncourt developed a system of evaluating new church buildings and restoration of churches, called "Steirisches Modell", which is unique to Austria.

Philipp Harnoncourt co-edited and published a book of collected reflections in 2011.

The restored building was inaugurated on 7 June 2020, Trinity Sunday that year, Philipp Harnoncourt had hoped to have the Chapel completed by that day.