Things to do in Vienna December: Musikverein

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – How To Get Concert Tickets

Clearly, there are no more elusive musicians than the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Because of their outstanding fame, experiencing the Wiener Philharmoniker live has turned into a life goal for many classical music fans. If you want more than TV and live streaming, find out how to bag tickets for one of the most famous orchestras in the world.

Wiener Philharmoniker History In Brief

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra logoMore than 170 years ago, musicians of the Imperial and Royal Court Opera Orchestra – the former Vienna State Opera – formed an independent orchestra. Not only did they aim at perfecting their professional skills. The musicians also wanted to explore the best interpretations of classical music by composers such as Wolfgang Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

From the end of the 19th century, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra have played withprominent conductors. Among them were celebrities such as Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Claudio Abbado, Nicolaus Harnoncourt, Riccardo Muti, and Zubin Mehta.

What Makes The Vienna Philharmonic Special?

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: concert breakUnlike other central European musical schools the Vienna Philharmonics have guarded the sound of classical instruments from the 18th century. Since then this sound has become famously known as the Viennese Sound.

Some of the instruments played by the Philharmonics are unique in their makings. In addition, instruments such such as the Viennese horn, the Viennese oboe, the Viennese bassoon, thrombone and tuba are used nowhere else.

How To Bag Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Tickets

Definitely, listening to the Vienna Philharmonics live is a special treat. Most of the time, the Wiener Philharmoniker play at subscription concerts in Vienna, or tour the world. Unlike the several sub-choirs of the Vienna Boys Choir, there is only ONE orchestra. If you don’t want to put your name down on the 13-year waiting list for concert subscriptions read my four tips on grabbing Vienna Philharmonics tickets.

1. Visit A Concert Open To Non-Subscribers

Occasionally, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra perform concerts for non-subscribers at their ‘home’, the Wiener Musikverein. Alternatively, you can also hear them at the Wiener Konzerthaus, Theater an der Wien or the Arnold Schönberg Center. On a regular basis, the orchestra also tours Europe and overseas countries. Check the Wiener Philharmoniker concert calendar.

As the annual concerts before, the Vienna New Year’s Concert 2024 will be the most sought after Philharmonic event. Between January and March, you can take part in the online drawing to get tickets. In order to join, apply for tickets in February on the Wiener Philharmoniker’s website.

However, there is also a second way to securing your seat at the Wiener Neujahrskonzert. Simply email me at barbara.cacao(at)vienna-unwrapped.com and I’ll put you in touch with Wouter, my tried and trusted ticket provider for more than eight years.

Each year, Schönbrunn Palace hosts a very special Philharmonics concert. The free Summer Night Concert takes place in the open air in the palace gardens. This is a great way of the Philharmonics to let a wide public enjoy their music. Read more about the Summer Night Concert.

‘Following the proclamation of the Republic,
Austria abolished the aristocracy,
which has been replaced by a subscription to the concerts of the
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.’
Hans Weigel, Austrian writer (1908 to 1991)

2. Break Into Subscription Concerts And Soirées

A week before the subscription concerts and soirées tickets sales on commission take place. In fact, these are tickets that subscribers do not use. With many performances tickets do become available one week before the concert.

You can buy them directly via telephone under 0043 (1) 505 65 25 or in the Bureau of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on Kärntner Ring 12, A-1010 Vienna. Access concert schedules forsubscription concerts and soirees.

3. Watch The Vienna Philharmonics At TheVienna Opera House

One of the easiest ways to listen to member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is to book a night at the Vienna State Opera. All members of the Philharmonics are also members of the orchestra of theVienna Opera house (Vienna State Opera). While they perform at operas, they also stage their own chamber music sessions at selected dates. Access the currentperformance scheduleof the Vienna State Opera.

4. Join The Ball Of The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Every January, the Philharmonics stage what is in my opinion the best ball in Vienna. Naturally, they would play the tunes for this event. Learn more about theBall of the Vienna Philharmonicsand how to buy tickets.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s Home

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: MusikvereinFor more than 100 years, the Wiener Musikverein, an imposing 19th century building in Greek Renaissance style, has been the home of the Vienna Philharmonics. Concerts at the Musikverein attract music connoisseurs from all over the world.

Located just off Ringstrasse boulevard, Musikverein hosts the Golden Hall, a sumptuous concert venue for more than 2,000 spectators and location of the annual New Year’s concert.

In addition, Musikverein includes six other smaller concert halls, such as the Brahms Hall, or the Gottfried-von-Einem Hall. There are guided tours available through the house, though the best way to experience it is during a concert.

Apart from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Musikverein regularly hosts the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra and the Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vienna’s two other elite orchestras. Access theconcert schedule of the Musikverein.

For morepictures of the Wiener Musikverein, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, accessmy photo gallery of Viennese concert halls and opera houses.

How To Get To Musikverein


Address: Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

How to get there: either take metro U1, U2 or U4 to Karlsplatz; alternatively take tramways 1 or D to Kärntner Ring; 2 or 62 to Opernring; or 71 to Schwarzenbergplatz; or take busses 59A and 3A to Kärntner Ring; or 43A to Karlsplatz.

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