Music in Vienna

What's the first thing you think about, when you hear „Vienna"? Music? Opera? The New Year's Concert? You are right. And growing up in the wings and dressing rooms of the Vienna State Opera, I'd agree with you. Like few other cities Vienna is associated with classical music and opera performances. On this tour, you will trace the origin of the Viennese love of music. When were the first operas performed in the city? How did concerts develop from something that was only enjoyed by the high aristocracy to something that reached mass appeal in the 19th century? And how performances different in the past to what they are now? You may not love opera and classical music by the end of the tour (although I will try and bribe you to say it), but you will certainly appreciate it. Please note that this tour is depends on the opening times of the Vienna State Opera. Please contact me to make sure your desired date is possible. If not, it may also be possible to create a slightly changed route.

This tour will start in front of the Musikverein (the Music Society), the first society to organize public concerts in Vienna and the place where the famous New Year's Concert is performed. Our meeting point is right next to the statue of the saxophon playing panda. We will then continue on to the Staatsoper (the State Opera), where we will find out which emperor was responsible for introducing operas to the Habsburg empire. And finally we will visit the Sammlung Alter Instrumente (collection of old musical instruments) at the Hofburg.