We will be visiting Vienna in September and I'm trying to figure out which concerts to see. If I'm unable to get opera tickets for an opera we like, I'm considering either Mozart Konzert at Wiener Musikverein or Vivaldi at St Charles Church. I know these would be very different experiences. Is one better than the other? They are on a Saturday night. I'm hoping to get tickets on Sunday to the Vienna Philharmonic at the Musikverein, but tickets don't go on sale to the public until 8/10. Do they usually sell out right away? If I'm able to get tickets for the Sunday concert at Musikverein, then I'll probably go to the Vivaldi concert at the St. Charles Church on Saturday. Do I need to book tickets for the Vivaldi concert ahead of time? Do they sell out? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Laurie
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4260 posts
The Mozart concert at The Musikverein would be preferable . The selections will be enjoyable and the performance will be top rate . As far as The Vienna Philharmonic program , the issue is what they are playing ? Whether its for you depends on the level of your musical sophistication . A program of Classical period or Romantic period works is likely to suit your tastes . ( even some early Twentieth Century would be possible ) If the program is laced with Second Vienna School pieces . then your tastes need to be advanced . What is the date for the Philharmonic program ?
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Thanks, Steven. The date I'm looking at is 9/13 when they will be playing Mozart and Prokofiev. The fact that they're performing Mozart is why it appeals to me. I'm sorry to say that whenever I go to a concert here in Chicago and a modern piece is performed, it usually doesn't appeal to me (so I guess I would have to say I have unsophisticated taste in classical music.)
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4260 posts
9/13 - get the tickets ASAP ! Great program ! Leonore #3 ( Usually performed as the overture to the second act of " Fidelio " ) is stunning , the Mozart , is beautiful , and the ballet music from " Romeo and Juliet " is beyond words . Good choice ! When played by this orchestra in one of the finest concert halls in the world , the experience will be intoxicating . Best wishes !! Ill be in Vienna in October , also making plans for performances
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Ok, now I have to see this! What a great way to end the Vienna portion of our visit. Tickets go on sale to members a week before the general public. Is it worth becoming a member to make sure we get tickets?
Thanks,
Laurie
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4260 posts
I have not taken a membership . but that isn't a bad idea . If you are seeing the Philharmonic concert and the Mozart Orchestra as well, the discount on tickets for two people on two programs might be a good idea . A week's jump on the sale date might also be an advantage . When you buy the tickets try for seats roughly midway between the stage and the back of the hall on the orchestra level which is one flight up from street level . That will give the sound a chance to blend as it passes through the room . The acoustics in The golden hall are priceless and as an aside , the architects ( McKim. Mead, and White ) who designed Boston Symphony Hall in the late nineteenth century . modeled it on The Musikverein . I have been fortunate to visit The Musikverein on multiple occasions and as a retired classical musician , it is always a thrill . Also , if you have a bit of time, if you walk aound the back of the building , you can visit the Bosendorfer showroom , and see the fine pianos on display that are made in Vienna . The instruments have unique sound unlike any other . Here is a sample of one, a Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand ( extended range ) . The music is Liszt's " Un Sospiro " It will melt your heart - https://youtu.be/LDALaf-_65k?si=wPAS2yGJEZNPcDfL