Vienna Concerts 2025. Every day, my home city stages 15 to 25 classical concerts. To make things more complicated, the 'capital of music' hosts events with varying levels of quality. To facilitate your choice I'm sharing a list of great and good concerts below: from Vienna Philharmonic to organ concerts.
To book Vienna concert tickets 2025 use the links below.
Are Concerts In Vienna Worth It?
Attending classical concerts in Vienna is worthwhile if you know where to go. Let's assume you are after quality music events and would like to avoid tourist traps.
Book Vienna Concert Tickets Early
The best concerts tend to sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. If you'd like to go for a quality music experience start booking concert tickets right after securing your flight and hotel.
Go for respected musicians and orchestras
To enjoy great music the quality of the performers matters, not just the composers. In Vienna, the best quality orchestras are the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra, the ORF Radio Symphonie Orchester, the NÖ Tonkünstlerorchester and a few other ensembles. With smaller ensembles for chamber music, for example, some musicians also perform for larger reknown orchestras.
Go for great acoustics and space
Concert venues and churches make great venues to enjoy musical performances. In concert halls every element is meticulously designed to create optimal listening conditions. These venues feature precisely calculated reverberation times, typically ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 seconds, ideal for classical music performance. Their architecture incorporates strategically placed sound-reflecting and absorbing surfaces, while shaped walls and ceilings work in concert to direct sound waves effectively throughout the audience space.
Avoid events with poor crowd control
To fully immerse yourself into the musical performance make sure you choose an organiser who actively manages food, drink movement during performances, excessive photography and filming.
Which Are The Best Concerts In Vienna?
New Year’s Day is the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual New Year’s Concert, which is broadcast all over the world. Since the New Year's concert is so popular tickets are sold via an online draw. You can apply for tickets between 1st and 28th February. If you weren’t lucky at the ballots, you can buy tickets via third party ticket providers. Because it takes various parties to ensure tickets are available after the drawing, prices are quite elevated for this level of classical experience.
To find out whether ticket prices are worth the expense I have spoken with a local Viennese and with a traveller who attended the concert. Read their feedback in Vienna New Year Concert. For obtaining practical tips, find out more in Vienna New Year's Concert ticket information.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Did you know that Vivaldi lived in Vienna for some time, and is buried here? At gothic Minorite Church his spectacular Four Seasons will come and go as regularly. Amidst the church's airy heights, a violin virtuoso together with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra conjure thunderstorms, barking dogs, sleeping shepherd boys and icy cold rain. By the way, when at Vienna's Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum) watch out for painter Arcimboldo's famous Summer and Winter allegorical heads and remember them when you attend the concert.Location: Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz, 1010 Vienna
Vienna Concert Tickets for Minoritenkirche: get tickets for Vivaldi - The Four Seasons
Summer Night Concert Schönbrunn Palace
During the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's free annual concert in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, thousands of music fans celebrate on the lawns. Expect a spectacular show with top quality classical music and fireworks.
Time: 13th June 2025, 8.15pm
Location: Schönbrunn Palace, palace gardens, in front of Neptune fountain; Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse 47 1130 Vienna,
Vienna Concert tickets for this show: free admission
Vienna Boys Choir At Christmas in Vienna Gala
The annual Christmas in Vienna Gala at the Wiener Konzerthaus is a cherished holiday tradition, renowned for its stunning musical performances and enchanting holiday atmosphere. Each year, the gala attracts some of the finest classical and operatic talents from around the world, including top singers, conductors, and musicians from prestigious orchestras. The Vienna Boys Choirs, the Wiener Singakademie choir and the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra add depth and richness to the performance.
Broadcast on television across Europe and other parts of the world, the Gala typically features a mix of classical masterpieces, international Christmas carols, and traditional Austrian holiday songs, appealing to both classical music enthusiasts and holiday revelers. Pieces range from Bach and Mozart to beloved Christmas standards like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night."
Dates: 19th and 20th December 2025
Location: Wiener Konzerthaus, Lothringer Strasse 20, 1030 Vienna
Vienna Concert Tickets for Konzerthaus: secure tickets
Mozart Concerts Vienna
Mozart Requiem
In the gothic hall of St. Stephen's Cathedral, 40 musicians and a choir create a monumental sound cloud made of Wolfgang Amadeus' famous Requiem. In that case, it's all about the spectacular side of art and music, as you will experience in this sumptuous church packed with colourful frescoes.
In the past years the Mozart requiem has turned into one of the most popular Vienna concerts. Every Saturday, the musicians of the Orchestra 1756 (Mozart's year of birth) play on historical instruments, replicating the ambiente of the Requiem's premiere in the 18th century. Because of the quality of this concert you will likely be in the company of other travellers avoiding Mozart 'varieté shows'.
Date: 5th July 2025, ao
Location: Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Vienna Concert Tickets for the Mozart Requiem: get concert tickets
A Little Night Music Concert
Between Thursday and Saturday, the Emperor Quartet in Vienna provides a musical nightcap with Mozart's famous Little Night Music. Composed in 1787, the serenade for string quartet or small string orchestra (Serenade No. 13 in G major, K. 525) flows seamlessly from the energetic opening Allegro to the graceful Romanze, spirited Menuetto, and triumphant finale. Other musical pieces you will hear are Schubert's Ave Maria, Haydn's Emperor's Quartet and Bach's Air.
Dates: various throughout the year
Location: Kapuzinerkirche (Capuchin Church)
Vienna Concert Tickets for Capuchin Church: get tickets
Mozart And Beethoven Quartets
Vienna Concerts 2025. Never underestimate the power of four instruments. Since Mozart wrote 23 pieces for string quartets, and Beethoven 17, this concert series pays tribute to a key classical music format. Beneath the colourful baroque frescoes and pink marble columns of St. Anne's Church musicians of renowned local orchestras spread pure bliss with two of Mozart's and Beethoven's most elegant chamber music.
Dates: various;
Location: Annakirche, Annagasse 3B, 1010 Vienna
Vienna Concert Tickets for Annakirche: get Mozart and Beethoven tickets.
Strauss Concerts Vienna
Where would I listen to live Strauss music in Wien, without falling into a tourist trap? The truth is, you'll need to be VERY selective with picking the right venue and orchestra. If you ask me as a Viennese the best place to enjoy Strauss music is watching an operetta at Volksoper Vienna. To explore not just the best music venues but also Strauss places in Vienna read my Johann Strauss Vienna Guide.
If you don't mind a tourist concert in favour of a wider selection of Strauss concerts check this Vienna concert calendar for Strauss concerts.
What Is The Most Beautiful Concert Hall in Vienna?
If you wonder what is the famous concert hall in Vienna it is the Golden Hall at Musikverein. Architect Theophil Hansen clearly designed a temple for music. Its Neoclassical style reminds of an ancient Greek temple with Ionic columns, Caryatids, gable reliefs, and breathtaking ceiling paintings.
However, the numerous balconies, ledges, statues, friezes and stucco work every surface don't just contribute to the hall's ornate beauty. They also serve acoustic purposes. For example, the balconies looking down at the stage are carried by 32 golden caryatids. These are female statues, modelled on those of the Erectheion on the Acropolis in Athens. Remarkably, those gold caryatids are hollow to support more resonance, making them both decoratively stunning and acoustically functional.
The Golden Hall's overall acoustic are often regarded as one of the best in the world:
The reverberation time is between 2.4 and 2.8 seconds in the middle frequencies and increasing towards the low frequencies. This area has proven to be very suitable for classical and romantic orchestral musicians - think Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Subsequently, concertgoers can expect crystal-clear sound and a rich, immersive auditory experience.
Despite its grandeur, the Golden Hall offers an intimate atmosphere, allowing the audience to feel close to the performers. There are various seating options, including the famous "Golden Balcony" and the main floor, each offering a unique perspective on the performance.
Is Musikverein worth it?
With a history dating back to the mid-19th century Musikverein is one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. Over the years it has hosted countless legendary performances and world-renowned musicians.
As the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Musikverein hosts one of the most esteemed orchestras globally, known for its excellence in performing the works of Viennese composers. Fairly regularly you can also experience music by Austrian modernist composer Arnold Schönberg, who conducted a few of his premieres at the Musikverein.
While the world's classic fans know the Golden Hall from countless New Year's Concert broadcasts, the smaller Brahms Hall is massively underrated. When the hall opened in 1870 the local press and critics described the Greek Renaissance interiors in red, gold and green as a 'true little treasure chest'.
Dates: various
Location: Wiener Musikverein, Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Bookings: Secure tickets for Musikverein concerts
Which Church Is Best For Classical Concerts In Vienna?
Vienna's Minorite Church is probably the best for classical concerts in Vienna, due to its combination of exceptional acoustics, historic authenticity, and uniquely intimate candlelit atmosphere.
For the most breathtaking architectural setting with its baroque grandeur go for Karlskirche (St. Charles Borromeo).
If you prefer a small hidden gem, baroque Annakirche (St. Anne's Church) regularly stages widely praised chamber music events, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. Get concert tickets for Annakirche.
All three venues offer perfect locations for classical concerts in a special setting but Minoritenkirche consistently receives the highest praise for its "incomparable acoustics" and atmospheric concerts. Because of this, Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED. Book concert tickets for Minoritenkirche
At this opportunity, St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) deserves a mention in its own right, not least because of its excellent acoustics, especially among the crypt's vaulted ceilings. the quartet at the crypt of St. Peter's pulls literally all their strings to revive the world's best classical music - and they do it masterfully. 'The fingering on some of the pieces was like the birds singing.' (source: TripAdvisor). In fact, many of this ensemble's musicians have excellent track records. Prepare for signature pieces of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Vivaldi and more by Classic Ensemble Vienna. To get the full story, read my review in Vienna Secret Classical Music.
The architectural inspiration for St. Peter's came from the iconic St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. This groundbreaking church marked the advent of domed structures in baroque Vienna. Due to space constraints, it adopted a remarkably compact form, with its oval interior ingeniously accommodating a considerable amount of space, adorned with rectangular additions. The church captivates all who visit with its lavishly ornamented interior, resplendent with golden stucco work.
All in all, churches offer a compelling acoustic environment. Their architectural grandeur, originally designed for spiritual purposes, creates extraordinary musical possibilities. The long reverberation times, often extending from 3 to 7 seconds, produce a rich, immersive sound environment particularly suited to sacred music. The high vaulted ceilings and stone or marble surfaces generate natural amplification and complex sound reflections that enhance the music's harmonic content.
What Do You Wear to A Vienna Concert?
Unless you attend the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert there is no need for 'black tie' dressing. To adjust to local concertgoers' style, wear smart casual. Look polished and put-together without being overly formal. Think "dressed up casual" - nicer than everyday wear but not as formal as business attire. For example, a collared shirt or blouse, a knee-length dress or midi dress, a blazer with a dress shirt (no tie required) and slacks. As for footwear, go with leather shoes, flats or heels, loafers or clean sneakers, and avoid flip flops or athletic shoes.
Spring Concerts
Between March and June 2025, you are up for a few classical music delicatessen in Vienna. While Easter Sunday marks several highlights at Musikverein, Konzert and Wiener Staatsoper make sure you check the concert calendar for particular highlights. Alternatively, listen in on Vivaldi's baroque masterpiece Four Seasons, which relates to amazingly to Vienna's baroque scenery.
Right on Easter Sunday morning the Vienna Boys Choir will sing at the Imperial Court Chapel - probably Spring's best wake up call.
Summer Concerts
Summer is a tricky time for serious music fans in Vienna: Many local classical orchestras and venues take a summer break in July and August. While all-year-round Vienna concerts continue at elegant town palaces such as Wiener Kursalon, Palais Auersperg and Palais Palffy they often feature as tourist traps.
With this in mind, consider alternative options such as church concerts and summer operettas, or a special music treat at the Schloss Grafenegg Festival. Find a summer concert during your stay.
Access the Vienna concerts calendar for Summer Music Events in Vienna.
Advent And Christmas Concerts
Between late November and 26th December Vienna's concert halls and churches brim with festive sounds and candle lights. Due to their popularity advent and Christmas concert tickets sell out months in advance. Amid all the tourist craze for atmospheric vibes keep a clear head and navigate for quality events. Read more in Advent and Christmas Concerts in Vienna.
Daytime Concerts
Annoyingly for some music fans, the vast majority of classical concerts in Vienna take place in the evenings. If you know where to dig, however, you will find amazing matinees, lunchtime concerts and afternoon concerts. Some take place fairly regularly, some offer a limited number of tickets, and some music events are even for free. In Vienna Daytime Concerts, find out where to look and how to attend.
Classical Concerts With Small Children
Which classical concerts are the best to visit with children? In order for the whole family to enjoy a classical music event, you can either attend a classical concert adapted for children, or an event for adults that is suitable for kids as well. In Vienna, both options exist. Click on Classical Vienna Concerts With Small Children to find inspiration.
New Years Eve Concerts
The first thing to remember is thatVienna's new year's eve concerts are rare prey for MANY locals and travellers. In general, they cover both classical and contemporary music. Many contemporary concerts are free and form part of Vienna's big street festival 'Silvesterpfad', while the classical concerts take place in warm concert halls. If you want to properly arrange the evening before you travel you can book some classical concerts together with a dinner package. Learn more about New Year's Eve concerts in Vienna.
New Year's Day Concerts
To find out whether ticket prices are worth the expense I have spoken with a local Viennese and with a traveller who attended the concert. Read their feedback in Vienna New Year Concert. For obtaining practical tips, find out more in Vienna New Year's Concert ticket information.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
'It's the special sound', say some. 'It's the world class conductors', say others. As a matter of fact, the Philharmonics attract thousands of music connoisseurs each year. Not to mention the millions of TV spectators watching their New Year's Concert each 1st January. Is it worth getting tickets at Musikverein? How to reliably get Vienna New Year's Concert tickets when you haven't won the online drawing?
Despite a few hurdles it is not impossible for a prepared traveller to experience this orchestra live. For this reason, I'm sharing my special guide on the most elusive of Vienna attractions, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. For practical advice, visit Vienna New Years Concert ticket information.
Vienna Boys Choir
Vienna Concerts. Sometimes I imagine my own boy sing like a Wiener Sängerknabe.
Surely the choir boys of this 500-year-old institution have exceptional voices, which are regularly heard in Wien. While most expect the Wiener Sängerknaben to sing Mozart, Haydn, Bruckner and Schubert, the Vienna Boys Choir also excels in modern choir music.
In spite of their extensive world tours, you will likely meet them when in Vienna as the Sängerknaben split into four different choir groups.
Access the concert calendars of three different locations in Vienna on the Vienna Boys Choir page.
Authentic Viennese Music: Schrammel Mondays
At the end of the 19th century, brothers Johann and Josef Schrammel rose to prominence among the Viennese (folk) music elite. Within just a few years they became legends. From then on, quartets with two violins, double guitar, clarinet or button harmonica were called Schrammelquartet in Vienna. Their repertoire of dances, marches and Viennese songs arranged for quartets became known as “Schrammelmusik”.
At the magnificent hall of former suburban inn Liebhartstaler Bockkeller, the Wiener Volksliedwerk stages their monthly Schrammel Mondays. Clearly, these authentic local community events are a blissful alternative to some tourism-staged events at famous wine taverns.
Dates: every first Monday of the month
Location: Liebhartstaler Bockkeller, Gallitzinstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna
Bookings: buy tickets
Cathedral Music
Thanks to its acoustics and beauty, our landmark St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the best places for classical Vienna concerts. Equally important, the music ensembles are good quality. Sometimes the acclaimed ensemble of the Vienna University of Music and the Arts performs there as well.
If you are lucky your trip dates will coincide with one of the cathedral concerts in the attic. In any case, expect regular Vivaldi's Four Seasons concerts during the summer and early autumn. On top, the cathedral will regularly stage pompous organ music on its brand new Giant Organ. By all means visit the Advent and Christmas concerts if you are around. Learn more about current music events in Stephansdom.
Free Organ Concerts
Besides Sunday masses, some Viennese churches regularly stage organ concerts, such as the Church of the Augustines, the University Church and Church St. Peter. Additionally, the concert series at Schottenkirche combines organ with piano, violin or a voice soloist. Although these concerts are generally free most guests make a small donation.
Since free organ concerts take place infrequently, it's worth starting your research upfront. Watch out for amazing organ music from Wolfgang A. Mozart, Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert. In order to facilitate your search visit the website of the Association of Viennese Organ concerts.
Maestro Masterclass
When in Vienna, you can now explore the city’s rich music history with an expert at hand. Off the big stages, renowned Austrian conductor and pianist Christoph Campestrini will discuss classical Viennese music with private clients and small groups: from Mozart and Beethoven to Schubert, from Strauß to Mahler. All you need to bring is a love for classical music.
Vienna Unwrapped reader Lillian Martin and her son Ethan spent an evening with Maestro Campestrini on the piano, and later at a concert. Find out more about this Vienna music experience.
My Vienna Concert Highlights 2025
Almost every month, there is a music festival or a one special one off concert that you shouldn't miss. Some of them take place at the Vienna Musikverein, the illustrious home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you'd like to listen to a particular type of music check my favourite local festivals in the Vienna Music Festival guide.
Vienna Concerts: What Other Visitors Have Asked
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