I am trying to make reservations for a classical music concert in Vienna over the christmas holidays. I have found many options, but as I dug a little I realized that many of these are pretty cheesy events where giant buses of tourists are dumped off. Does anyone have any ideas of authentic concerts where the Viennese would attend? thanks-
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Haven't been there at Christmas, but in September a few years ago, we went to one of the "cheesy events" and really enjoyed it. We are not classical connoisseurs, but do have season tickets here in Edmonton. You may find the Opera is more authentic, but hard to get tickets on short notice. Did you check Vienna Symphony Orchestra to see if they have concerts when you are there (and if there are still tickets)?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm not sure what would make a concert "authentic" or "inauthentic"... but anyway, if you visit around the Christmas break to New Years, the Vienna Philharmonic may be on a brief holiday. They always perform a New Years concert of waltzes and polkas (shown on PBS every year), but tickets to this event sell out months in advanced. The remaining performances during this time are probably limited to student ensembles and Mozart wig concerts. And if you haven't been to many classical concerts before, there's nothing wrong with them at all. They usually play a very predictable repetoire of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", and other familar favorites, but the performances are more than competent. Another option might be church music. Some of the cathedrals feature operatic-type choirs and small orchestras during religious services.