Heading to Vienna and Salzburg in mid-July and am specifically looking for one or two stand-out classical concert venues during the short Vienna stay. Want to avoid tourist traps and huge tour venues. Any suggestions?

Perhaps some information in this thread will be helpful--

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...mendations.cfm

The recommended site given above is good if you were visiting in regular music season- September - June.

However in July and August the better venues such as State Opera, Philharmonic, Volksoper go on vacation.

Do not be misled by such groups as the Mozart Orcheshtra at the Musikverein.
This very small orchestra dressed in wigs and costumes. They present mediocre concerts at inflated prices.
They simply rent the venue for their presentation- Touristy yes and more catering often to groups and have high pressure on street sales force etc.

Some fine summer venues just outside of Vienna offering quality .

St. Margarethen

www.ofs.at

this year presnting Carmen-

the venue is an old quarry - first used by the romans . Stone from this area is said to have been used for Stephansdom.

Also - on Neusiedlersee south east of Vienna - a open air theater on the lake -
this year - Die Fledermaus -

www.seefestspiele-moerbisch.at

easy transfers by reserved seats on a bus possible -

Also a fun evening - on the square in front of the Rathaus/ City Hall on the Ringstrasse - a free concert/opera each evening at dusk on the giant screen- free including seating.
Just adjacent is a very large food/drink court of many choices -
this a favorite of locals and those tourists knowing about it.
Buildings in the area are lighted to add to the atmosphere .

Also investigate the free concerts held at various Churches-

Normally an organ concert daily at the Peterskirche - this just off Graben in the city center -
makeas donation if you wish.

Other Churches have similar programs including Stephansdom.

Just thought of another option directly in Vienna
In the park of an old private school the Theresianum, an open air operetta offering in summer ,
This year two to choose.
The venue is fine and generally less known to tourists.

Das Land des Lachelns/ Land of Smiles by Lehar is interesting with fine music
www.wieneroperettensommer.com