The major of Vienna, Helmut Zilk, held the wish for his city - often referred to as the world capital of music - to also host a jazz festival. Fritz Thom was asked to make the concept of the festival and to realize it. With the help of personalities of public life sponsors could be won for the project. In a combination of public funding and sponsorships the Jazz Fest Wien became reality in 1991.

The → Vienna Jazz Fest is a modern, urbane festival with an international reputation which places it as one of three most important Jazz festivals in the world, a factor which has only boosted Vienna´s position as an attractive travel destination. The secret of the Vienna Jazz Festival is that top-rank musical artists are allowed to perform in some of the city´s best venues, including the Vienna State Opera, the MuseumsQuarter or the historic Vienna City Hall.