The classical concert programs usually include pieces by the king of the waltz Johann Strauss as well as excerpts from Mozart operas and other well-known works of the Viennese classical period.

First contact with classical music

People who may be attending a classical concert for the first time will quickly feel at ease with the catchy melodies. Waltz sounds of this kind are world-famous, not least because of the New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, which is broadcast around the world. What's more: The ranks of these orchestras also include the very best musicians, some of whom also play for the Vienna Philharmonic or the Wiener Symphoniker. Ballet dancers and vocal soloists often give interludes. There are also concerts at which the orchestra performs wearing historical costumes.

The performance venues of the classical concerts are among the finest anywhere in Vienna: From the Vienna State Opera, to Schönbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace, to venerable palaces. Naturally, the Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus are also on the list. Their concert programs are jam-packed with high-quality classical concerts given by big-name performers.

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Amongst the renowned concert series providers are:

(in alphabetical order)

• Salon Orchestra "Old Vienna"
  Johann Strauß directed his orchestra in the Kursalon in City Park. Today, charming Viennese evenings with waltzes, polkas, arias, duets, operetta and piano concert melodies can be experienced here. Vocal and ballet soloists also perform.

• Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra
  In the Orangery of Schönbrunn Palace, the longest orangery in the world, the Schönbrunn Palace Festival Orchestra or Ensemble play works by Mozart and Strauß, accompanied by soloists and dancers in historical costumes. Vienna City Card

• Vienna Imperial Palace Orchestra
  The historic rooms of the Imperial Palace resound to the best-known waltz and operetta melodies of "waltz king" Johann Strauß and Franz Léhar, as well as arias by Mozart, performed by international vocal soloists. Vienna City Card

• Vienna Mozart Orchestra
  On a stage set in the style of the late 18^th century, 30 musicians and soloists in historical costumes and wigs present a program of Mozart and Strauss at the Musikverein, Vienna State Opera and Konzerthaus. Vienna City Card

• Vienna Residence Orchestra
  Viennese music is to be found in the Baroque Palais Auersperg: Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, operetta, the Viennese waltzes and famous Wiener Klang. The orchestra is joined by ballet dancers and opera singers.

Tip: Church Concerts at St. Stephen's Cathedral, Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) and many other sacred sites