Vienna and Salzburg are the ultimate destinations for a musical journey, offering a deep connection to the rich cultural heritage of classical music. From the birthplace of Mozart in Salzburg to the grand concert halls of Vienna, these cities are steeped in musical history. Today, we’ll highlight the unmissable things to do on a Salzburg and Vienna Music tour with your choir group:
MUSICAL VIENNA
Vienna, also called the “City of Music,” holds an unparalleled place in the world of classical music. It’s not just the birthplace of the waltz but also the home of legendary composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, and more. As you stroll the city’s grand boulevards, you can admire the rich musical heritage that continues to echo through Vienna’s streets. From composer statues dotting the landscape to grand concert halls, the city is a living museum of music. But there’s so much more you can do in Vienna if you’re a music lover. Here are some of our favourite musical experiences in the city:
EXPLORE THE HOUSE OF MUSIC ( HAUS DER MUSIK)
This interactive museum is the perfect visit for music lovers! A guided tour will offer a deeper understanding of the museum’s various sections:
From exploring the treasures from the Vienna Philharmonic’s archives in the Vienna Philharmonic Museum to learning about the life and work of iconic composers of the Viennese Classical period such as Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss Sohn; or enjoying one of the most exciting highlights of this visit, conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as part of a an unforgettable virtual conductor experience.
VISIT THE COMPOSER HOUSES
Vienna’s rich musical history comes to life through its many composer houses, now some of them transformed into fascinating museums. These homes, once inhabited by legendary musicians, offer a personal glimpse into the lives of classical music’s greatest figures. Here are just some of our favourites:
At Mozarthaus Museum, one of the apartments where Mozart lived, you can learn about the life and work of Mozart mostly during his years in Vienna, from 1781 to 1791, as well as enjoy presentations of his major works such as different modern performances of “The Marriage of Figaro” or the history behind “Requiem”.
You can also visit the Wien Museum Beethoven Pasqualatihaus where the composer spent eight years of his life and composed the opera “Fidelio”; here you will be amazed by a biographical exhibition about Beethoven. And of course you can not miss “The Johann Strauss Wohnung museum” where the “The Waltz King”composed “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”. Here you can an exhibition recalling Strauss life and work as well as exploring some features of the house, including an Amati violin.
CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
When in Vienna, attending a concert is a truly unmissable experience. With its rich musical heritage and a plethora of stunning venues, Vienna offers the perfect backdrop to immerse yourself in timeless masterpieces.
You can attend a Vienna Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church; or at the Sala Terrena, located in Vienna’s historical city center, where Mozart played several concerts; or enjoy a opera performance at The State Opera House, such as the Marriage of Figaro, Aida, der Rosenklavalier and more.
For an even grander experience, visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, where you can not only enjoy an exceptional concert but also take a guided tour of the former imperial residence. This majestic venue offers the perfect setting for a memorable day, especially if your choir or music group is performing in this iconic location.
SALZBURG
The Baroque city of Salzburg, UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a paradise for classical music lovers. With its rich musical heritage, stunning architecture and vibrant culture, Salzburg offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of music.
SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR
As part of a Salzburg music trip, your choir group can also experience the magic of the “Sound of Music” tour, visiting some of the most iconic locations from the beloved film in the footsteps of Julie Andrews and the von Trapps family. This tour offers a perfect blend of music, history, and cinematic nostalgia.
Some of the highlights include the stunning Mirabell Palace & Gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed, with Maria and the children dancing around the Pegasus Fountain; or the picturesque Leopoldskron Palace, once the residence of prince-archbishop Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian and the house where the Trapp Family lived in the film.
Another important location is Hellbrunn Palace, a Summer residence of Salzburg’s prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus, a palace constructed in the 17th century aimed for enjoyment and recreation with one of its main attractions being the beautiful Trick Fountains and also famous for the film song “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” at the Gazebo.
EXPLORE MOZART HOUSE
For classical music lovers and fans of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a visit to Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg is an experience that should not be missed. The “Hagenauer Haus” is located at Getreidegasse 9, this iconic yellow building is where Mozart was born in 1756.
Today, Mozart’s birthplace is one of Austria’s most visited museums, attracting visitors from across the globe who wish to immerse themselves in the life and legacy of this musical genius. The museum offers a fascinating journey through Mozart’s early years, with room showcasing a collection of portraits, letters, and original certificates. You can also see historical instruments such as Mozart’s violin and clavichord.
As you wander through the museum, you’ll gain insight into the daily life of the Mozart family and the cultural environment that shaped young Wolfgang.
PERFORM AT DOMPLATZ
Domplatz Square in Salzburg is an exceptional location for a choir group to perform, offering a breathtaking backdrop of historic and architectural beauty. Surrounded by the majestic Salzburg Cathedral (the residence of the he prince-archbishops), and part of St. Peter’s Monastery, this square’s grandeur enhances the atmosphere of any performance. Accessed through three elegant arcade arches, Domplatz has been a central location for performances and a place for the annual Christmas market that has taken place here for over 500 years. Fans of “The Sound of Music” will also recognize Domplatz from iconic scenes, adding a cinematic charm to this already stunning performance space.
We hope you enjoy these unmissable things to do on a Salzburg and Vienna Music Tour with your choir group!
For more expert advice on planning your next choir or music tour, reach out to our travel team at JWT TRAVEL. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or ready to organize a memorable trip, we offer a variety of tailored choir and music tours that cater to your group’s needs: MUSIC TOURS FOR GROUPS
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