House of Strauss
Credit : Lea Titz
Vienna Music Society
Credit : Wolf-Dieter Grabner
Known as the “ City of Music ,” Vienna was the birthplace or home of some of classical music ’ s biggest stars , including Ludwig van Beethoven , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Joseph Haydn . Their legacies echo through the Austrian capital ’ s concert halls , opera houses , museums , and churches , which host more than 15,000 concerts annually . Every evening , 10,000 classical musical enthusiasts are expected to savor a live performance . Join their ranks by attending a show at one of these iconic venues , but don ’ t forget to check the dress code before you go to ensure you ’ re appropriately attired .
MUSIKVEREIN ( VIENNA MUSIC SOCIETY )
Since 1870 , this iconic venue has been staging some of the city ’ s most memorable concerts in its “ Golden Hall .” World-renowned for its impeccable acoustics , this grand room , glowing with gilding and glittering chandeliers , hosts the annual New Year ’ s Concert performed by the in-house Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra , who always include works from the Strauss family alongside pieces from other notable Austrian composers .
MOZARTHAUS
Housed in one of Mozart ’ s former homes in Vienna ’ s Old Town , a short distance from St . Stephen ’ s Cathedral , this venue-museum allows visitors to deep dive into the composer ’ s works and life . Performances include plenty of chamber music , regular recitals by the Wiener Ensemble , and Summer Concert piano recitals from June until mid- September . Make sure to spend some time wandering through the apartment , where Mozart composed the opera “ Le Nozze di Figaro ” and half of the Haydn Quartets .
KONZERTHAUS
Since its debut in 1913 , this inclusive concert hall has staged performances showcasing both traditional and modern-minded musical styles in its four halls ( all soundproofed so multiple performances can occur simultaneously ), seating anywhere from a few hundred to over 1,800 concertgoers . Not only is it home of
the Vienna Symphony Orchestra , Vienna Chamber Orchestra , and Wiener Singakademie , but it also hosts the Vienna Spring Festival , Internationale Musikfest , and Wien Modern .
WIENER STAATSOPER ( VIENNA STATE OPERA )
The vaunted opera house , designed in the Neo-Renaissance style by the acclaimed Czech architect and contractor Josef Hlávka , was the first major building on the Vienna Ring Road encircling the city ’ s historic Innere Stadt district . For over 150 years , it has been making an unforgettable impression by hosting stunning operas and ballet performances . Superstars including Claudio Abbado , Luciano Pavarotti , Maria Callas , and Enrico Caruso have all graced its storied stage , and it hosts the annual Vienna Opera Ball during carnival season .
PETERSKIRCHE ( ST . PETER ’ S CHURCH )
Situated near Graben Square in the city center , the beautiful Baroque church wows with a turreted turquoise dome , sweeping frescos of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the cupola ’ s interior , gilded pulpit , and rich ornamentation . Its exquisite acoustics make it an outstanding venue for performances ranging from regular outings from Classic Ensemble Vienna to majestic organ recitals .
HOUSE OF STRAUSS
After an extensive renovation , this rejuvenated venue — once the Casino Zögernitz , which debuted in 1837 — reopened in 2023 . All four Strauss composers — Johann Strauss the Elder , Johann Strauss the Younger , Josef Strauss , and Eduard Strauss — performed at the original incarnation , while today ’ s concert lineup includes appearances from the in-house orchestra decked out in period wear . Don ’ t miss this interactive museum which features a 15-minute LED show you can enjoy while sitting in an original Thonet chair from the era . If you ’ re feeling peckish , the onsite restaurant specializes in Viennese cuisine .
GETTING THERE
Austrian Airlines flies nonstop from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to Vienna International Airport ( VIE ).
WINTER 2024-25
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