A must-see classical music concert in Vienna!

Vienna is an incredible city with dozens of places to visit and things to do. It might sound super cliché, a bit prout prout, or I don’t know what. Yet Vienna is truly the temple of classical music, and it would be a great shame not to attend a concert during your stay.

I’m far from being a big fan. I’m more of the “classical music for dummies” type, or the famous “I don’t like classical music but I like this” disc with all the best-known pieces. But I have a particular fondness for Vivaldi.

But in concert, especially in a dedicated setting, it’s even more vibrant. I’d already had this experience in Salzburg, then in Paris in a small church. So when my wife asked if we could see a concert during our visit to Vienna, hop! It wasn’t too hard to decide 🙂

But then came the question of organization. Where to go, what to see, which composer, in which place, theater, church… in Vienna there are a lot of possibilities, some of them quite good.

I’d like to take a look at these possibilities, some of which take place in superb baroque churches (now that’s nice!), prices and all. Here we go!

Why go to a classical music concert in Vienna?

I can think of lots of reasons!

• it’s not necessarily super-expensive, some start at 35€, usually around 50€ if you get there a bit in advance, otherwise 70€ without any worries
• it’s romantic, and we’re in a very romantic city (if we put aside the sweetness of the language)
• almost all the greatest names in classical music have passed through Vienna (Mozart, Vivaldi, Strauss and his Blue Danube, Haydn, Beethoven…), and the city is steeped in this history
• concerts take place in magnificent venues! In the most beautiful churches, for example (Karlskirche, Peterskirche, St Anne’s…)

A concert of Mozart and Strauss at the Golden Hall

I’ll start with this one because that’s where we went. And frankly, it was great! First of all, the two photos above are of the hall.

Why did you choose this one? For 2/3 reasons that are actually pretty obvious:

• I booked at the last minute, so I had less choice and there were still a few places left here
• reputation: I booked on Getyourguide and the reviews were excellent. It was either this one or another smaller venue, but in the other we were more crammed together apparently.
• the concerts are not every day, so some weren’t playing on the night we were available. They usually play every other day
• the venue is beautiful, so that convinced me to go here. But ALL the places I’m going to tell you about here have exceptional settings!

So I was telling you that we went here. The first tickets were €59 but as I got in late, they were no longer available so we took the €75 ones. We were superbly placed, in a box on the side, very close to the stage. And I spotted people with the €59 tickets in the row behind us, so that was pretty good too!

As for the troupe (or orchestra, band, I’m not sure what to call them), they were in period costume, many instruments, and as they don’t all play at the same time, I advise you to observe the faces of those waiting. Some were really into it, others had funny faces!

This was in the Musikverein, or “Golden Hall”, considered one of the 3 most beautiful concert halls in the world (dating from 1870), renowned for its acoustics, quite simply. I must admit that this played a big part in my choice.

The concert program, Mozart, of course, with his best-known compositions such as The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, A Little Night Music and Don Giovanni, but also Johann Strass and his famous Blue Danube and Radetzky March.

So the program was not just for the initiated, but rather for the general public, with easily recognizable pieces (which suited me just fine!)

So in the end, we had 1h30 (approx.) of music in a magnificent setting, with an orchestra that played very well, and a good program. Suffice to say, it was a perfect evening🙂 And I can’t recommend this outing enough. Is it better than the others? I can’t tell you because I haven’t seen them. Maybe you’d rather be in one of the city’s most beautiful churches, maybe you’d prefer Vivaldi. In which case the suggestions below will suit you!

Please note that it is forbidden to take photos during the performance (I waited for the breaks between pieces to take some).

• Information and booking for a classical music concert at the Musikverein

Book your concert at the Golden Hall!

4 recommended accommodations in Vienna

Find the best accommodation in Vienna!

Vivaldi’s 4 seasons in the Karlskirche

This was my second choice. Because I love Vivaldi and because the Karlskirche is perhaps the most beautiful church in the city (and one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see). Except… they weren’t playing the night we were available. Too bad! I’ll have to come back, what a pity.

The Karlskirche is featured in this article on  Vienna’s most beautiful churches, and it’s probably the best setting you could wish for a classical music concert.

Here, you’ll be treated to all of Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons. Classic but timeless! And why Vivaldi, even though he’s Italian? Because he spent a good part of his career in Vienna, died there and is buried in the nearby cemetery. So the Karlskirche lends itself very well 🙂

The 1756 orchestra (which plays there) is fairly recent, formed in 2006, but now has its own reputation, touring between Vienna, Salzburg (to play Mozart) and Munich.

• every day except Monday and Thursday
• prices from €33 (then €41 and €49 in category 1)
• advance booking essential, as the church is not huge
• concert lasts 75min
• Information and booking for the Vivaldi concert at the Karlskirche

Book your concert at the Karlskirche!

St. Peter’s Church, or Peterskirche, is also one of the city’s jewels, like Karlskirche. And I didn’t know until later that they also had concerts!

This is something different, because it’s a real compilation of the best-known pieces, without being dedicated to any particular composer. So it can be really interesting. In particular, you’ll find (it varies a little) :

• Mozart: a little night music, Requiem KV 626 (Lacrimosa in particular)
• Bach: Air on the G String
• Vivaldi: The 4 seasons
• Schubert: Andante con moto
• Beethoven: Allegro molto

So there’s something for everyone, and all in all, it’s not bad. The feedback is excellent! In a magnificent baroque church with renowned acoustics, it’s an excellent option 🙂

• every day except Thursday
• duration: 1 hour
• price: 34, 44, 54€ in category 1
• Information and booking

Book your concert at the Peterskirche!

A concert of Mozart and Beethoven at the Sainte Anne’s Church

I was really disappointed not to have been able to do it. The Church of St. Anne is one of my favorite places in Vienna, it’s small and beautiful, a perfect intimate setting for a classical music concert.

But, being a smart ass, I hadn’t checked to see if there was an orchestra performing here. And the good news is that there is! The program is interesting, the feedback super good. And what’s more, it’s not expensive. What more could you ask for?

So I’d say it’s an excellent option for seeing some great programming in a beautiful little church.

• The program includes Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, among others.
• Sainte Anne church is located right in the center of town
• The concert lasts 1 hour
• Admission is free: first come, first served! So it’s best to get there early to get in front 🙂
• Tickets cost €33
• Information and booking

Book your concert at Saint Anne's Church!

A Mozart and Strauss concert at Schönbrunn Palace

You’re probably familiar with Schönbrunn Palace, the residence of Empress Sissi. In the pavilion of the Orangerie gardens, right next to the palace, you can attend a classical music concert. It has to be said that the setting lends itself rather well, and it’s hard to think of a more appropriate venue.

The program includes Mozart and Strauss, Viennese classics and waltzes. It’s a small orchestra of 8 musicians and 2 opera singers. And dancers!

Unlike previous concerts, this is not a mythical, authentic venue. The acoustics aren’t as good, because it wasn’t originally designed for this.

• The concert lasts 1 hour.
• Schönbrunn is located a little outside the center of Vienna, but the metro is just a few minutes away.
• Prices range from €45 to €105, paying a lot for the Schöbrunn Palace setting.
• Information and booking

Some other possible concerts

• In the cathedral of Saint Etienne, a sublime setting but mostly organ concerts, classical music concerts are less frequent, and the prices are not expensive. Discover it here
• The lovely, intimate setting of the Mozarthaus, a magnificent hall in the house where Mozart lived. A little tight, but sounds great! Discover it here

What else to do in Vienna

Vienna has plenty to offer. When it comes to discovering the Austrian capital with a tour guide, you’re spoilt for choice. Visit the city’s many Baroque churches, tour imperial palaces such as Schonbrunn, Hofburg or Belvedere, or just get lost in the architecturally stunning city center.

Seriously, it’s a real pleasure to wander around the city without really knowing where to go. Even the road that encircles the center, the ring road, is superb!

• In the next blogpost, discover the most beautiful places in Vienna!