Wiener Sängerknaben

Wiener Sängerknaben Review

The beloved Vienna Boys' Choir, the Wiener Sängerknaben isn't just a set of living "dolls" out of a Walt Disney film (remember the 1962 movie Almost Angels?). Its pedigree is royal, and its professionalism such that the Choir regularly appears with the best orchestras around the world. The troupe originated as a choir founded by Emperor Maximilian I in 1498, but with the demise of the Habsburg empire in 1918 it was on its own and became a private outfit, subsidizing itself by giving public performances starting in the 1920s. When the troupe lost its imperial patronage, it traded in court costume for the current charming costumes, then the height of fashion (a look even sported by Donald Duck, who was also born in that era).

From early September to late June, the apple-cheeked lads sing mass at 9:15 am Sunday in the Hofburgkapelle. Written requests for seats should be made at least eight weeks in advance. You will be sent a reservation card, which you exchange at the box office (in the Hofburg courtyard) for your tickets (cash only). Tickets are also sold at ticket agencies and at the box office (open Friday 11-1 and 3-5; any remaining seats may be available Sunday morning, 8:15 to 8:45). General seating costs €5, prime seats in the front of the church nave €29. Note that only the 10 side balcony seats allow a view of the choir; those who purchase floor seats, standing room, or center balcony will not have a view of the boys. On Sunday at 8:45 am any unclaimed, preordered tickets are sold. You can also opt for standing room, which is free. If you miss hearing the choir at a Sunday mass, you may be able to catch them in a more popular program in the Musikverein. Hofmusikkapelle, Hofburg-Schweizerhof, A-1010.