Live Performance entertainment in Vienna
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Arena
A former slaughterhouse turned music and film venue, Arena is one of the city’s quirkier places to see live acts. Hard rock, rock, metal, reggae and soul (along with cinema) can be seen on its outdoor stage from May to September; over winter bands are presented in one of its two indoor halls. ‘Iceberg’, a particularly popular German-British 1970s new-wave bash, is held here once a month.
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Burgtheater
The Burgtheater (National Theatre) is one of the prime theatre venues in the German-speaking world. Built in Renaissance style to designs by Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, it had to be rebuilt after sustaining severe damage in WWII. The grand interior has stairway frescos painted by the Klimt brothers, Gustav and Ernst. Tours of the theatre are conducted daily at 3pm (September to June; English tours run Friday to Sunday only). Tickets at the Burgtheater sell for 50% of their face-value an hour before performances, and students can purchase tickets for €7 half an hour before performances. Standing places are €1.50.
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WUK
WUK (Werkstätten und Kulturhaus; Workshop and Culture House) is many things to many people. Basically a space for art (government subsidised but free to pursue an independent course), it hosts a huge array of events in its concert hall. International and local rock acts vie with clubbing nights, classical concerts, film evenings, theatre and even children’s shows. Women’s groups, temporary exhibitions and practical skills workshops are also on site, along with a smoky cafe with a fabulous cobbled courtyard.
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Künstlerhauspassage
A glass box beneath the Künstlerhaus, Künstlerhauspassage is a refuge for Vienna's art scene. Spoken word performances, films, live music and DJs take turns entertaining a thoroughly alternative crowd; 'Icke Micke' , every Friday night from August to September, tops the bill with progressive techno and electronica from the next big names in the DJ business. The adjoining outdoor ampitheatre is a perfect escape from the sweaty dance floor.
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Konzerthaus
The Konzerthaus is a major venue in classical-music circles, but throughout the year ethnic music, rock, pop or jazz can also be heard in its hallowed halls. Up to three simultaneous performances, in the Grosser Saal, the Mozart Saal and the Schubert Saal, can be staged; this massive complex also features another four cocert halls. Students can pick up €14 tickets 30 minutes before performances; children receive 50% discount.
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Musikverein
The Musikverein holds the proud title of the best acoustics of any concert hall in Austria, which the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra makes excellent use of. The interior is suitably lavish and can be visited on the occasional guided tour. Standing-room tickets in the main hall cost €4 to €6; there are no student tickets. Smaller-scale performances are held in the Brahms Saal.
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Hofburg Concert Halls
The Neue Hofburg’s concert halls, the sumptuous Festsaal and Redoutensaal, are regularly used for Strauss and Mozart concerts, featuring the Hofburg Orchestra and soloists from the Staatsoper and Volksoper. Performances start at 8.30pm and tickets are available online and from travel agents and hotels. It’s open-plan seating, so get in early to secure a good seat.
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Dschungel Wien
This theatre for children mostly has performances in German, but every now and again it stages dance or a performance in English. Performance times for the regular shows are generally at 10am or 10.30am and again at 2.30pm as well as at 4.30pm daily. Adults pay children’s prices for matinee performances.
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Odeon
This oft-forgotten performance venue looks suitably grand from the outside but the interior doesn’t impress as much – come for the performance versus a palatial theatre experience. Anything from classical concerts to raves are held within its walls.
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Metropol
The Metropol is a bit of a musical chameleon: one week might see performances by international acts, the next kitsch musicals, cabaret and folk music. There’s plenty of tables and bar stools so there should be no problem procuring a ticket.
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Stadthalle
Stadthalle is the largest concert venue in the city and usually caters to large, mainstream rock bands and local heroes. Check the posters around town for upcoming shows or check the website.
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Orangery
Schönbrunn’s lovely former imperial greenhouse is the location for year-round Mozart and Strauss concerts. Performances last around two hours and begin at 8.30pm daily.
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Palais Palffy
The Palais Palffy’s stunning baroque Figarosaal (Figaro Hall) is a venue for Mozart and Strauss performances. Mozart himself performed here as a child in 1762, and although the music isn’t of the same quality as that of the Philharmonic, it’s lively and enthusiastic. Performances start at 8pm daily. It’s also home to one of Vienna’s most opulent clubs.
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