All articles related to Music

Passion for Tradition

Austrians look with pride at the stunning modern architecture, lively design scene and many technological innovations the country has brought forth. At the same time, they hold on to ancient traditions and customs with enthusiasm, not only keeping them alive, but combining the old and the new to create a unique, harmonious atmosphere.

The Sound of Music – a musical comes home!

23 October 2011 is the day when the legendary musical “The Sound of Music” celebrates its premiere at the Salzburg Landestheater. In the words of the Landestheater Intendant Carl Philip von Maldeghem: “This musical is worldwide one of the most successful and frequently performed of all time. And the Hollywood film of 1965 became famous everywhere in the world.

Salzburg Marionette Theater

Discover the fascinating world of the Salzburg Marionette Theater and see for yourself how the master puppeteers bring to life the expertly carved puppets, captivating their audience with performances of The Sound of Music, Mozart Operas or Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Vienna's Hotel Imperial

The musical legacy at the Hotel Imperial is more than noticeable. This legendary palace hotel in the heart of Vienna not only hosted brilliant music celebrities in the past, such as Richard Wagner and the like, but also still does up until today. Be for one day the object of inspiration to these classical music personalities, who will compose a piece just for you.

Grafenegg Music Festival

The combination of a historic castle, culinary pleasures, modern architecture, and world-class performances makes the Grafenegg Music Festival a delight for all senses.

Mozart Week Salzburg: Winter‘s Classical Music Highlight

A highlight on the annual calendar of every Mozart fan, January’s Mozart Week is organized by the International Mozarteum Foundation. Before you pack your bags, consider yourself warned: the outstanding performances and the added charm of the snow-covered city of Salzburg will make you eager to return year after year.

Glatt & Verkehrt

Every year since 1997 artists from all over the world have been coming to Krems and vicinity to explore their own musical roots in an innovative, off-beat, and often surprising manner.

Wiener Festwochen

Each year a huge celebration in front of City Hall kicks off this festival, which combines cultural experiences of the highest order with socially relevant themes and objectives.

Styriarte: Festival of Classical Music

A legendary conductor in a legendary setting brings to life the legendary Early Music movement. This is the quintessence of the styriarte. Enjoy this delightful classical music festival in Austria’s southern beauty, the city of Graz, just two hours by car south of Vienna.

Europe’s oldest restaurant

A dining experience of a different kind awaits you in Europe’s oldest restaurant paired with traditionally influenced contemporary music and a delicious three-course-dinner. The only thing that’s missing is you.

The Night Watch: Wine, Liszt & Haydn

Let winemaker Eva-Maria Wagner entice you with one of her special wines along with some local treats. Later, follow the night watchman through the old alleys and lanes and learn about the composers Liszt and Haydn.

The Confectioners’ Ball – a Sweet Evening to remember!

One, two, three… dance in the rhythm of the Viennese waltz at one of the famous Viennese balls and enjoy a delicious night at the Confectioners’ Ball. Stunning ball gowns, sweet surprises and a glamorous atmosphere await you.

Central Burgenland and the Home of Legends

Meet Franz Liszt, Wunderkind, piano virtuoso, playboy and abbé, citizen of the world, and self-proclaimed “gypsy musician,” in the hills of Central Burgenland, Austria’s eastern-most region.

The Bregenz Festival

At the Bregenz Festival, held in July and August, an evening of opera begins long before the conductor lifts his baton; guests often arrive by boat directly to the immense floating stage– and thus become part of the spectacle themselves.

Haydn Festival Lights Up Eisenstadt

The imposing Esterházy Palace is the ideal setting for the Haydn Festival, celebrating the music of composer Joseph Haydn. The Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra is the “orchestra-in-residence” at the Haydn Festival. A specific of the orchestra is a so-called “Eisenstadt or Pannonian style”, which gives it a unique sound. With its outstanding acoustics, the Haydn hall is ranked one of the finest in the world.

Vienna at its Most Authentic

For over 430 years, the SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL is practicing classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école. Take in a performance or practice session in this venerable institution. At the HOUSE OF MUSIC you have a chance to discover the fascinating world of music and sound. Interactive, playful, fun it will grant you new insights and access into the world of music and will often surprise you.

“Silent Night” Chapel in Oberndorf

Nothing beats standing before the „Silent Night, Holy Night“ memorial chapel in Oberndorf on Christmas Eve and joining hundreds from throughout the world in the singing of the world’s most famous Christmas carol.

Glatt & Verkehrt

Since 1997 Krems and sourrounding is the home for artists from all over the globe who deal with their musical roots in humorous and witty ways.

Franz Liszt - the European

Franz Liszt’s musical career took him to various European countries that were to influence his work. His open-mindedness and cosmopolitan outlook made him a “true” European. It is thus no wonder that today he remains a prominent figure in numerous countries in different ways.

The Life of a Composer

Of all classical composers, Franz Liszt's was the most colourful: an eccentric and heartthrob, a virtuoso pianist, an intellectual, cosmopolitan and globetrotter. And above all, he composed incessantly. His musical oeuvre comprises 123 piano works, 77 lieder, 25 orchestral works, 65 sacred & 28 secular choral pieces, and numerous arrangements and compositions for organ and other instruments.

Franz Liszt – A Visionary Cosmopolitan

Franz Liszt is regarded as the creator of an entirely new genre of piano music and a groundbreaking compositional style. Guided by his vision of transporting his ideas out into the world, Liszt soon became a cosmopolitan due to his extensive concert tours throughout all of Europe, dazzling audiences with his unique performance style and virtuosity.

Musical visionary

Franz Liszt is regarded as the creator of an entirely new genre of piano music and a groundbreaking compositional style. As a pianist, as well, he broke with all the conventions of the time, often drawing on one or more themes from familiar operas and using them as the basis for brilliant piano fantasies.

Austrian Airlines

Known for its exceptionally high level of service, its comfortable business class and an on-board chef preparing an award-winning six course meal. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, which also offers reduced or free entry to museums, discounts on shopping, entertainment and culinary experiences in Austria and around the world.

Hotel Sacher Vienna

Since 1876, when the Hotel Sacher Vienna was founded, the Sacher Hotels have combined tradition, luxury, style and Austrian charm with comfort and highest quality service. After more than 120 years, the Sacher Hotels and Cafes have almost become an Austrian landmark and are an integral part of Austrian culture.

WQXR - our official media sponsor

We are very proud to have WQXR, the nation's first commercial classical radio station, be part of our event.

Terms & Conditions

Official Rules

23.10.2011 - 08.06.2012

The Sound of Music

The famous musical is performed in the city where it all started: Salzburg.

History of the Viennese Waltz

When the Viennese Waltz emerged in the second half of the 18th century in Austria, it was as controversial as it was popular. Today, it is so much part of Austrian culture that Austrians waltz into each New Year to the sound of the Blue Danube Waltz broadcast on public radio.

Classical Balls

During the time of Fasching (carnival) there are hundreds of balls staged throughout Austria. Some of the most well-known are the Opera ball, held at the State Opera and the Imperial Ball held on December 31 at the Imperial Palace in Vienna.

28.04.2012 - 05.05.2012

donaufestival

An avant-garde pop festival in Krems - inmidst Austria's wine country - featuring music, performance and installations. This year's theme: Failed Revolutions

Dorli Muhr

What happens when you combine wonderful wines with live music, nature, fashion shows, and fantastic food? You get the Carnuntum Experience! Wine expert and co-organizer Dorli Muhr gives us the low-down about this two-week long festival in Lower Austria that is sure to be fun for the entire family

05.09.2012 - 09.09.2012

International Brahms Music Festival

Johannes Brahms compositions are partly influenced by Haydn’s music.

People & Traditions

Austria is a combination of pristine landscapes and bustling cities, historic towns and cutting-edge architecture, love of tradition and thirst for the new. What keeps travelers coming back to Austria is the sense of "Gemuetlichkeit": a lifestyle that celebrates the finer moments in life.

Vienna

Austria’s capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. It is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is dominated by churches, castles and palaces. Its picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Graz

The Styrian capital Graz, whose roots date back to the Roman age, lies on both sides of the River Mur, and is well-known for its medieval city center and modern architectural highlights.

Bregenz

Vorarlberg’s capital is beautifully located at Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third largest lake. It offers a dense cultural program coupled with a wide range of outdoor activities.

Stay overnight at the 'Von Trapps'

A must-stay for all Sound of Music fans! The former Salzburg home of the real Von Trapp family has opened its doors for overnight stays.

Music in Austria

In Austria you can expect a first-class musical experience, whether it's a concert in the rooms of a Baroque palace, at the Opera House or at one of the many festivals.

Vienna Boys' Choir

The Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world. For nearly five hundred years it has been one of the enduring symbols of Austria.

Graz: Striking Architecture & Mediterranean Flair

To visit Austria is to experience brilliant architecture amid historic settings. As is the case in the city of Graz, a Renaissance jewel two hours south of Vienna, also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture.

Salzburg - A Baroque Jewel

While parts of Salzburg remain much the same as they were when Mozart spent his childhood here, the city is full of exciting contrasts between the old and the new. Its picturesque streets are packed with modern-art galleries, music clubs, and theaters.

Musical Pleasure in Vienna

The Hotel Imperial presents a special offer for those who enjoy the higher worlds of classical music. The stately palace on the magnificant Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the universal exhibition in 1873.

Grand Vienna

Classic Vacations presents this special package in Vienna’s sophisticated 5* Grand Hotel Wien. Enjoy Vienna with its elegant and modern flair.

Luxury Resorts in Austria

Craving the thrill of heli-skiing in the Austrian Alps? Dreamed of attending the New Year's concert in Vienna or the worldfamous Salzburg Festival? Or are you intersted in experiencing the many high-end restaurants you can find throughout Austria? You can have it all...

Top 11 Music Festivals in Austria

Music is a tradtition that Austrians uphold and continue with great enthusiasm. No other country can claim such an impressive history of major composers who either come from or made their mark in Austria. The following is a list of world-class festivals that celebrate this musical heritage with staggering modern or traditional performances.

Haus der Musik - The Sound Museum

Haus der Musik is a modern interactive experimental museum in the historic city center of Vienna as well as the location where the Vienna Philharmonic was founded. Six floors are dedicated to the presentation of the fascinating world of music and sound. Send your ears on a discovery trip!

The Sound of Music

The hills are still alive when you travel through Austria's countryside. Follow the footsteps of the van Trapp family and experience "The Sound of Music". We suggest taking a tour and visiting the movie locations.

Get a Taste of Vienna

Austrian capital Vienna is a city of contrasts. Palaces and churches, museums and monuments all bear evidence to the splendour of Austria’s imperial past. This amazing tour starts at USD 349 per person.

Get a Taste of Salzburg

Salzburg and its surroundings were once described as "One of the most beautiful regions on earth” by the famous German traveller Alexander von Humboldt. This great package starts at USD 299 per person.

The Taste of Vienna

Viennese cuisine – the new trend in the culinary world. This Cuisine is based on different national influences going back to the days of the Habsburg monarchy. A well balanced combination of culinary flavors! One finds it everywhere in Austria – from the pub around the corner to the elegant Haute-cuisine restaurants of leading chefs.

The Sound of Austrian Music

Our long time favorite classical music tour "The Sound of Austrian Music" has focused over the years on Mozart, Haydn, Schubert and Bruckner, giants of Austrian classical music. This year we have chosen Franz Liszt as the star of this tour- a musical great of the Romantic era – pianist, composer and conductor and “the darling of the ladies”.

The Sound of Music Tour

Experience the original three scenes of the film and the historic old town of Salzburg. Following the city trip you will spend relaxing days on Wolfgangsee Lake.

The Sound of Music - Tour

A must for every true 'The Sound of Music' - fan: visit the famous shooting locations on a comfortable tour bus while you hear the famous melodies. Make your reservation right here

Mozart CDs

The movie - and its cast members

Following the enormous success of the stage musical "Sound of Music" Robert Wise produced and directed the film of the same name, which stared Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Visit the movie locations

The story of the Trapp family, which was first seen in the movies in 1965, and was awarded five Oscars, still remains one of the three most repeatedly screened films in history.

Events & Attractions

Innsbruck and it's surrounding offers great sites and cultural events. Pay a visit to the famed Swarovski Crystal Worlds or just simply stroll around the old town.

Vienna - for gay travelers

You know Vienna for it's music and culture, for the coffee houses (yes, we did have coffee houses 300 years before Starbucks, or at least that’s what tradition tells us), for the Opera and for the Imperial history that the city still showcases everywhere.