The Best Classical Concerts in Vienna for Tourists

The Best Classical Concerts in Vienna for Tourists

Are you a classical music buff ?? then there’s one city in Europe you should visit without any doubt – ‘Vienna’. The city is known as the capital of classical music and is world-famous for its Philharmonic and Symphonic Orchestras.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was home to numerous composers. Among them, the most famous names were Wolfgang Mozart, Beethoven, Johann Strauss, and Schubert.

A visit to the city is not complete without attending one of their classical concerts in Vienna. The locations for music performances include opulent concert halls, opera houses, palaces, and churches. A few of the most famous are – Musikverein, Kursalon, Vienna State Opera, Schonbrunn Palace, St. Peter’s Church and Karlskirche Church.

While there are many options, you must keep in mind that these concerts are very popular and Vienna concert tickets usually sell out months in advance.

So, here’s our guide to where you can make the most of your musical visit in Vienna.

On the Trail of the Masters

There is no other city in the world that can showcase a more impressive list of composers than Vienna. It’s here you’ll get an experience that’s more personal in nature.

A large number of their former private mansions have been turned into small museums for the general public. In fact, you’ll see original furnishings and personal items belonging to these artists, paintings and photos on display.

You can also hear historical performances and famous recordings of key pieces by these artists.

Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven owned several mansions across Vienna. The residences where he composed his Heiligenstadt Testament and third symphony (The Eroica) are in the 19th district. In 2017, the building at Probusgasse 6 was extensively renovated and opened as a Beethoven Museum. And the house where the great composer lived over a period of eight years is also open to the public. Here, at Pasqualati House on the ramparts of the old town, Beethoven composed his opera Leonore, which was later renamed Fidelio against his will.

Mozart

Once upon a time Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart owned several homes in Vienna, but his only apartment that has survived to this day is in Domgasse behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The house consisted of four main and two smaller rooms and a kitchen. The first-floor apartment which he occupied between 1784 to 1787 was grand enough to be a nobleman’s residence.

The place is converted into a museum and is called – Mozart Wohnung, it’s here that he created some of his greatest works, including the Marriage of Figaro. You can also visit the six-floor of Mozarthaus Vienna – it opened on January 27, 2006 on the 250th anniversary of the Mozart birth and offers a glimpse into Mozart’s life and includes his original apartment.

Strauss

Isn’t it wonderful that many artifacts that once belonged to the King of Waltz Johann Strauss still survive to this day. There are many of them on display at the Johan Strauss Wohnung – a residential building in Praterstrasse in the 2nd district where he lived and composed the legendary Blue Danube Waltz. In the 9th district is the Museum of the Johann Strauss Dynasty, this museum is dedicated to the family history and artistic creations of the entire Strauss dynasty – this includes works by Johann Strauss senior and his three sons Johann, Josef and Eduard.

Haydn

The final residence of Joseph Haydn which is located in a building called – Haydnhaus, is a memorial befitting the composer. To commemorate his passing on the 200th anniversary, the Haydnhaus – the permanent exhibition was completely redesigned in 2009. The memorial focuses on the last years of the composer’s life that links to the political and social settings of his time. Visitors can now explore the garden that has been rebuilt using historical models. It’s a green oasis in the built-up area of Mariahilferstrasse.

World Class Venues for Classical Concerts in Vienna

Staatsoper

The Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and is closely linked to the Vienna Philharmonic, whose members are selected from its orchestra. It’s open for around 300 days each year, with dozens of operas and ballets in performance each season. The audiences can follow the action as subtitles are displayed in eight languages at all seats and standing berths in the house.

Volksoper

Built in 1898, the Vienna Volksoper (Vienna People’s Opera) is the city’s second largest opera house. In its initial years it was built for the purpose of staging plays. As time passed by, the venue evolved into one of the premier places to experience the operas and operettas of Mozart and the Strauss dynasty. Today, operas from the 18th to 21st centuries, as well as classic musicals and ballet, are performed here. They provide English subtitles for some German performances.

Theater an der Wien

This is no ordinary theatre. In fact, it’s located in a building built in 1801 by The Magic Flute writer Emmanuel Schikaneder in the spirit of Mozart. In the year 2006, which marked the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, the Theatre an der Wien was renovated as Vienna’s third opera house. Today, it hosts ten premieres from Baroque operas to contemporary pieces and also hosts the Vienna Chamber Opera. “Wien” means “Vienna” in German, but the theatre name “Wien” is the name of the Wien River that once flowed near the theatre grounds. “An der Wien” means “on the banks of Vienna”.

Musikverein

The Musikverein (Vienna Music Society) is known to music lovers from all over the world. It’s one of the most prestigious concert halls, where only the best musicians are invited to perform. The Musikverein’s architectural highlight is the Golden Hall. In addition to its excellent acoustics, it’s one of the most attractive concert halls in the world. Every year, TV viewers around the world can watch the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert live from the Golden Hall, along with works by Strauss and his contemporaries. During the rest of the years, the Musikverein showcases a number of performances by some of the best orchestras and composers in the world.

Wiener Konzerthaus

The Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert House) was opened in 1913 to appeal to a broader audience than the traditional Musikverein. It is home to the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Vienna Symphony, the Wiener Singakademie and the Klangforum Wien. Visiting here gives music lovers a chance to enjoy exquisite classical pieces as well as other musical genres such as modern, jazz and pop. The Konzerthaus hosts several popular festivals throughout the year, including Rasonanzen, which focuses on historical music such as the Middle Ages and Baroque.

Kursalon

Built in Italian Renaissance style, the Kursalon is one of Vienna’s most famous concert halls. It’s here that ‘Waltz’ became popular in the 19th century. Johann Strauss and his orchestra regularly performed here. In fact, the first ever concert given here was by Johann Strauss II, thereafter his orchestra performed here regularly. Visiting a Mozart and Strauss concert at the Kursalon is a unique experience. Enjoy a spectacular performance by opera singers and ballet dancers from the Alt Wien Orchestra.

Classical Concerts in Vienna‘s Palaces

Hofburg

The Imperial Palace of Hofburg is the former residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Today, it is home to the Wiener Hofburg Orchester. The orchestra was founded by the conductor Gert Hofbauer in 1971 and primarily their programs consist of works by Mozart and Strauss. The orchestra comprises more than 40 world-class musicians accompanied by Vienna State Opera soloists. They perform at Hofburg and sometimes at the Musikverein and other venues.

Schonbrunn Palace

The Schonbrunn Palace orangery is one of the two largest Baroque orangeries in the world (the other is in Versailles). Once upon a time, this place used to host colorful court festivities like banquets and concerts. In those days Mozart himself played here in a competition between him and the Imperial Kapellmeister Antonio Salieri. Today, nothing has changed and you can still hear his music by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra. The orchestra is played with two opera singers and two ballet dancers. Due to its popularity the concerts are held almost daily. And apart from duets and arias from Mozart operas, you’ll also be charmed by Strauss Waltzes and Polkas.

Palais Eschenbach

In addition to the large castles of Vienna, there are many smaller palaces or stately homes in Vienna. The rich and nobles used to stay here and are called ‘Palais’. Today many of them have been converted into hotels, conference and concert halls. The Vienna Supreme Orchestra regularly plays compositions by Mozart, Strauss and Schubert in the golden ballroom or large banquet hall of Palais Eschenbach.

Palais Auersperg

Palais Auersperg is the place where Mozart and Haydn used to perform some of their notable works. Today, it is home to the Vienna Residence Orchestra, one of the finest chamber orchestras. Go back in time to the days of Imperial Vienna, while listening to favourite Viennese compositions. You can also see classical singers and ballet dancers perform with the orchestra.

Palais Schonborn-Batthany

Once home of Count Batthyany and an architectural masterpiece, this baroque palace was built by the same architect behind Schonbrunn Palace. Today, within the palais you’ll find one of Vienna’s finest concert halls where the Vienna Baroque Orchestra performs regularly. You can also choose a stand-alone classical Viennese concert or a concert with dinner at Cafe Landtmann – one of Vienna’s finest cafes.

Classical Concerts in Vienna’s Churches

If you’re looking for a more casual evening, then it’s best to attend a classical concert at a church. Karlskirche (St. Charles Church), Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church) and Annakirche (St. Anne’s Church) are some of the places where you can enjoy excellent classical concerts in Vienna.

Karlskirche

The Karlskirche is the most beautiful Baroque church in Vienna and its lavish interior serves as a perfect background for classical music performances. So, if you’re looking for a break from Mozart and Strauss, the Orchestra 1756 regularly performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. And if you want Mozart, his Requiem can also be heard in this magnificent baroque church. Visitors at Karlskirche are mostly tourists who are looking for a variety in classical music experience.

Peterskirche

This 18th-century Baroque church is the perfect venue for any classical music concert. Here, the Classic Ensemble Vienna takes you on a musical tour of the works of Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, to name a few. The musical concerts take place in the unique atmosphere of the crypt under the main hall.

Annakirche

If you prefer chamber music played in a warm and intimate setting then you must visit St. Anne’s Church. Inside, you can enjoy exquisite compositions of the Viennese Classic on historical instruments played beneath the church’s colourful frescoes and pink marble columns. In fact, this small Baroque church is a great place for musical concerts because of its exceptional acoustics.

Seasonal Classical Concerts in Vienna

Summer Night Concert Schonbrunn

Since 2004, the Vienna Philharmonic has been performing at the Schonbrunn Palace every year. The Summer Night Concert program takes place in the gardens of the palace. It’s an outstanding and unforgettable experience.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve Concerts

If you’re visiting Vienna during Christmas time, then you must attend the special classical concerts. There is nothing better than celebrating Christmas with an evening filled with beautiful waltzes and atmospheric operettas.

Christmas Concert at Kursalon – Experience a festive evening in classical Viennese style and hear incredible waltzes by Strauss and Mozart.

Christmas and New Year’s Concert in St. Peter’s Church – Enjoy wonderful interpretations of works by Beethoven, Mozart and Bach in the splendid vaults of St. Peter’s Church.

Notable Orchestras in Vienna

Like all beautiful venues deserve to be visited they also need to be filled with great music. As Vienna is home to many world-class orchestras and choirs, it’s impossible to imagine classical music in Vienna without these four groups.

Vienna Philharmonic

This world-famous orchestra was founded in 1842 by composer Otto Nicolai, since then it’s an integral part of classical music in Vienna. The instruments are specially made for the performers, with clarinets, bassoons and the most difficult Vienna horn. Add to that the incomparable Viennese stringed sound, and the orchestra has a truly unique identity that will surely impress the audience. They are the ambassador for Vienna’s music wherever they perform, from concerts in their home cities, to international destinations.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra

This is Vienna’s most prolific orchestra that performs in most concerts and operas each year. Its main venues are the Konzerthaus, Musikverein and they also perform as an opera orchestra at the Theater an der Wien. This 128-member orchestra mainly specializes in the works of Anton Bruckner, Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, and is one of the finest in Europe.

Vienna Boys Choir

This group was founded in 1498 when Emperor Maximilian – I established the Court Orchestra. With age ranging from 10 to 14, the 100 or so members of the group are split into four separate concert choirs. And every year they perform in front of half a million people and about 300 concerts. These boys can be seen performing at the Sunday Mass – Hofburgkapelle and at the MuTh concert hall – Augarten.

Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra

This is Austria’s most versatile orchestra. They perform works from the 18th century at home and equally perform at premieres of modern pieces. Film music is another of their strengths. Every year, different composers of famous movie scores conduct the RSO at the Konzerthaus. The orchestra is a regular feature at the Konzerthaus, Musikverein, and the Theater an der Wien.

Why Book Your Concert with Rosotravel?

It’s written in stone – “You must buy your Vienna concert tickets in advance.”

Although there are plenty of options to experience classical concerts in Vienna, you must know that tickets usually sell out months in advance. So, don’t wait till the last minute to book your seat.

We recommend you to buy your tickets with Rosotravel in advance, especially if you want them for a certain date.

Standing tickets go on sale a few minutes before the performances begin. These are especially purchased by tourists who don’t secure their seats in advance, but it’s never a pleasant experience to stand and watch a musical concert.

Further, you’ll see several street sellers dressed as Mozart offering tickets for classical music concerts. The tickets they’re promoting are usually cheap and these concerts are tourist traps.

So, in order to get an authentic experience of classical concerts in Vienna and guaranteed tickets, book your seats with Rosotravel today!!

Vienna is a city that has a unique place in the history of classical music.

Not only is Vienna an exciting experience for any classical music enthusiast, it’s also memorable for an art lover, offering the possibility to connect with world-famous classical composers in the city who once lived here. Even if you’re not a fan of classical music, there are many reasons for falling in love with the perfect rhythm of Vienna.

Have you experienced classical concerts in Vienna? What else can you tell us about booking Vienna concert tickets? Let us know in the comments!