My girlfriend and I will be in Vienna the last week of September. We plan to catch several of the outdoor screenings of the Staatsopera. They're free-- thank you, Vienna!-- and feature a couple tenors I'm a fan of (I'm a singer too)
Does anyone who's done this have suggestions for best possible experience? "Show up early," "Sit in this area or cafe,""Don't wear a tall hat," "Do bring a jacket" etc?
Thanks much! We're very excited about our trip.
As far as "Do bring a jacket?", sure if its cold out.
Sam has it ; while I haven't been to the screenings in Vienna , I have in NYC . Events such as these are laid back and informal . It's not like opening night at The Staatsoper . As in other venues , worldwide , the idea is to attract everyone and by doing so , to make great art available to all . By the way , have a glass of wine , or two ( or three ) for me .
"Il Trovatore" is playing at the Volksoper. I suppose you want to see Juan Diego Florez.
Totally laid back affair. Dress in shorts if the weather is good. In September you can get Sturm in Vienna. This is the slightly fermented new wine that is unique and seasonal to Austria. Make sure to sample some, but not too much!!
Thanks for the replies!
I'm bringing a sportcoat for the Volksoper-- and the performances we'll be seeing in Budapest. It sounds like I can leave it in the hotel for this, and toss a windbreaker into my pack
Sam, I am eager to hear Juan Diego Flores in ELIXIR-- and Roberto Alagna two nights later in DON CARLO. I don't recognize the tenors in TROVATORE, but you know we're not missing it! Won't miss any of the wine either.
Still looking for "where to sit" tips if anyone's been there, knows area.
@ Alex , Too much ? no such thing !
It is a casual affair - wear whatever you want. There are about 180 plastic chairs to choose from, so come a bit early to get one. The space is small and compact, so really no "area" to speak of. Not really a café within sight of the screen, however, I understand there are good views from some of the rooms at the Bristol Hotel, but without good sound. Here is a link with a picture for an idea:
http://www.wien.info/en/music-stage-shows/opera-operetta/open-air-opera
Why not just try to get a standing room spot inside? I think that would be much better, especially for a singer.
@steven
For Sturm there is a limit....high sugar content. We were at a harvest festival there in front of the Hofburg where there were stalls from all the vintners in the area. Enjoyed many Weiss und Rot Sturms, but after too many the head begins to ache. It is quite different than drinking the excellent wines produced in Austria.
Well, the windbreaker is better than the sport coat. There is a similar program in Salzburg during the festival, but this August we could not attend video displays as it was frequently raining, and when it was not raining it was a bit chilling.
True, the outdoor screenings in front of the Staatsoper is a very casual affair. I saw it going on this past May. Tourists hang around and watch or walk to the place. Nice to hear the music....very uplifting.
Yes, go a bit early if you're a fan. When the chairs that the opera has set out are full, they also put mats on the ground. Some listeners won't last long at the opera and leave after a short taste (as I did), so seats can rotate, but you'd probably prefer to have one from the beginning.
I think the concept of "opera in the park" is wonderful. Well done Vienna.
Well, it's really not in a park. It's on a wide sidewalk that is alongside the Opera House, but, yeah, it's still a good thing.
Personally, I think watching Opera on the ginormous screen at the Rathaus during the summer festival is much better (and there's food).
Yup, nothing like opera with a bag of crunchy chips and a slurpy drink. My favorite at least.
James, go get some more Bull's Blood and concentrate on the Hungary forum. (;-)
