flyer

I will be attending two concerts in Vienna-- both in the evening; both at the Musikverein. One is being present by the Musikverein. The other is being presented by Jeunesse, which targets and encourages a "younger" audience with less expensive seats. My question is: Do the Jeunesse concerts tend to be a bit more causual than a Musikverein presentation. I know what to wear to the Musikverein presentation. However, I'm not sure if I need to "dress down" for the Jeunesse presentation. Anybody been?

viennese

There is no dress code whatsoever. You will see all kind of people and dresses. The answer to all the "How to dress" questions is: Dress as you feel.

The Musikverein is a beautiful building with a long cultural tradition. Whenever I attend a concert there, I dress beautifully to honor it. I want to show with my dressing up that it is not an ordinary evening for me. May it be a highbrow concert or a brass band. I don't care if there is someone sitting next to me wearing jeans as long as they don't disturb the music with coughing...

MaureenB

While in Vienna last June, we attended a reception hosted by the Mayor at the gorgeous Rathaus. I observed women in clothing much less dressy than I had expected. I was glad I'd worn a simple but nice black crepe pants suit with heels. It was just right in the middle, and easier to pack than other things. I think they are so used to tourists at events in Vienna, that the dress code is slightly relaxed.

flyer

Viennese, I agree with you 100%. I work with an orchestra in the states and it infuriates me when our audience arrives in "innapropriate" concert attire. Jeans, sneakers, and even shorts in warmer weather, have become way too common. As far as I am concerned, it shows a tremendous lack of respect for the orchestra, the music and the hall. How would they feel to walk in and find the musicians and conductor on stage in shorts and a t-shirt? That said, I realize there is no official dress code at the Musikverien. I was just wondering if there was anything "special" to be aware of, in the way of dress, for Jeunesse concerts? Also, if you don't mind my asking one more question... What kind of weather can I expect in late September/early October? Thanks you!!

Thomas_Milligan

The last time I attended a Jeunesse concert in Vienna was 2000, and there were very few young people in attendance, notwithstanding the substantial discount on tickets for those under a certain age. Most of the audience was middle-aged, and I did not observe any difference in dress in comparison to other Musikverein concerts.

This is in contrast to my student days in Vienna in the early 1970s, when Jeunesse concerts were mostly attended by young people.

viennese

Flyer, looking out of my window in Vienna right now, I can only hope that the weather will get better! It is raining, temperature 17 C (will definitely be lower in a few weeks). The wind in Vienna can be a nuisance, chilling your bones even if temperatures are mild. I found a leather jacket or leather coat to be the appropriate answer. Anyway, bring an umbrella and a coat.

A speciality of Vienna are those tiny gloves shops. Perhaps you would like to "forget" your gloves at home and have a traditional shopping experience ?

flyer

You were both so helpful. Thank you.

Thomas, You told me exactly what I needed to know--proper concert attire for both nights!

Viennese, You were also incredibly helpful. I was debating whether or not to pack fall clothes, now I know... I also plan to do some serious shopping in Vienna. Any suggestion on shops would be appreciated. I'm looking for eyeglass frames and "traditional" Austrian clothing in loden cloth and boiled wool. Are there shops a little less well know than Loden Plankl? Thanks again!

viennese

"I also plan to do some serious shopping in Vienna" - Being a woman, shopping is always serious to me

Traditional and modern Austrian costumes are to be found at
Giesswein, 1. district, Ringstrassen-Galerien (near the opera on the same side of the ring, between Hotel Bristol and Grand Hotel), www.giesswein.com
Tostmann Trachten (little boutique in 1. district, Schottengasse), www.tostmann.at

flyer

Thank you again. Giesswein will be right next door to me. I would really like one of their double-faced, heavy weight boiled wool coats. They are very expensive in the US these days, given the duty and devaluation of the dollar.

bckay1

We attended the opera in Vienna in May and although my husband wore a blazer any other kind of jacket perhaps with a white shirt and tie would have been fine.