I am looking for recommendations of a good and a safe site to buy tickets to a performance at the State Opera House in Vienna. We have attended an opera there before and did the "wait in the line" for the standing room only tickets. Actually that worked out well but we would consider buying the tickets in advance if they aren't too expensive. I have looked and see several possibilities but would like recommendations.

Why not buy directly from the Vienna State Opera?
http://www.staatsoper.at/Content.Node2/en/

P.S. I have bought tickets directly from the Staatsoper several times. There is no extra fees, just the price of the tickets. I believe any other re-sell companies will charge you a premium for the opera tickets.

yk, do all their performances go on sale exactly one month before?

Yes.

But one can put one's name on the stand-by list sooner. I believe if there are return tickets, they get released to the people in the stand-by list. annhig got her tickets that way, IIRC.

I bought tickets directly from their website. However, they do go on sale more than one month ahead. I bought my tickets June 1, 2008 for a mid-October 2008 performance, and it wasn't in a stand-by capacity. I paid via credit card and picked up the tickets at the box office the evening of the performance (the same seats that I had selected when on the website). If it doesn't say on the website specifically when tickets go on sale, send them an e-mail. They will answer promptly, in English.

Delaine, you're right. I just looked at Staatsoper website, and one can purchase tickets for Sept 2009 performances up until Sept 22, 2009. So, at least it looks like tickets go on sale 3 months in advance.

To solve some confusion regarding sale dates of tickets.

The State Opera is closed for vacation during July and August.
Normally regular ticket sales begin 1 month before, but for September you can purchase them from June1 to June 30.

To my knowledge you can send wriiten requests from overseas at anytime.

Thanks for the clarification, molker. I thought I was going crazy for a while.

So, I can buy tickets for Sept 30 performance on June 30; but for October 1 performance I have to wait until Sept 1; correct?

Hey thanks for all the useful information. I was looking at the website and wondering about when I could purchase tickets, because I noticed they weren't available yet for when I wanted them.

sueks, you can always put your name on the stand-by list. There is a form you can fill out (online) regarding price range etc. That way, you have the chance of getting tickets sooner.

Otherwise, you'd have to wait until exactly one month beforehand to buy the ticket online. I don't know exactly what time the tickets go onsale online (whether it's 12MN or 10am Central European time), but I can tell you that if it's a blockbuster production with A-list casts, the tickets get sold out right away.

To my knowledge , tickets go on sale beginning at 10:00 european time . This being normally,6 hours earlier then USA eastern time.

But check the Oper website under ticket sales.
You can make written ticket requests at anytime - under geneal ticket sales- written ticket order.
I believe the Oper then allocates best available ticket in the category requested.

Fortunately, living here, I have the luxury to go to the ticket office and buy directly.My overall knowledge about foreign orders is limited.
Even this method finds some lines for popular performances.
A tip- When in Vienna- the Burgtheater- on the Ringstrasse across from the Rathaus/ City Hall has a ticket office that will sell tickets for the State and Volksoper too.


Usually little or no line - just inside the main doors and to the right in the lobby area.

Also sceck for single ticket availability.
Often people earch or request 2 tickets togehter- often not available , but single tickets remain. Perhaps you do not sit with your companion , but see see what you wish and can meet at the pause.

If all fails and you still wish good musical evening- the Volksoper has a high standard.

easy to reach via streetcar # 40,41,42 from Schottentor on the Ring-
less expensive than the State Opera, best known for quality productions of operettas.

www.volksoper.at

Also the famous Villazon will not sing during season 2009-2010.
A recent throat operation and must rest.

Perhaps some prorams may stil show his name in error.

If you're in Vienna this September, why not take an hour's cruise down the Danube, save a few bucks and check this --

http://www.snd.sk/?opera-7&predstave...da&termin=2622

-- (or similar) out.

molker, which is better, the Opera Ball or the Kaiser Ball? Is it too late to get tickets for the 2010 Opera Ball?

This question depends on your likes and dislikes.

Many in Vienna are not fans of the Opera Ball. Many of those formerly attending for some years no longer do this.

A media circus to some extent, especially due to a Vienna former builder who yearly invites a supposedly famous lady to be a guest.
This declines over the years from Sophia Loren to a former stripper, Paris Hilton and a former menber of Desperate Housewives.
Many boxes are purchased by companies and used as entertainment. This declines markedly due to the economics and facts many not interested as the ball loses prestige.
Boxes were supposedly sold out last year. But rumor says this was false.

Prices are crazy- food and drink prices worse.

Many attendees come from out of Austria and just want to say - "I have been to the Opera Ball".
You will see all manner of costumes - some it seems just to be noticed by the photographers and TV.

Kaiser ball- I assume you refer to the Imperial New Years ball.
Touristy but OK.

I would prefer this to the Opera ball for a ala festive evening- better experience and cheaper too.

Dine elsewhere and enter at 10 PM- in my opinion.

The best ball, to me is the Philharmoniker ball at the Musikverein - next year January 21, 2010.

www.wienerphilharmoniker.at

note ticket order policy.

This ball favored by many in Vienna. A fine evening in the rooms of the Musikverein, music by the Philharmoniker- not the mayhem of the Opera Ball, if you wish to spend a nice special evening of dance and enjoyment.

Generally mode of dress more to what you imagine a Vienna Ball to be.
Attendees know how to waltz too.

Still a Grand March

Should add - Opera Ball says that they will place your name on a waiting list- I think you have no trouble getting tickets based on prior years attendence.

Thank you the detailed info, molker! The Philharnomiker ball sounds great-- I wish I could take time off work in mid-January, but it's not possible, so that leaves only the other two choices. (I have a few more Vienna questions for you, but I'll start a new thread instead of hijacking sueks').

Save your money and book tickets direct from the venue involved in Vienna
The above is just one of many ticket agencies offering inflated prices for the same tickets you can order on line directly from the venue like the Volksoper , State Opera and more.

An example

State Opera

www.staatsoper.at

example

agency price for a ticket to Rigoletto April 10 -

top category are 192 euro- same ticket from the agency mentioned 240 euro


The Opera website shows numerous tickets in various categories now available .
48 euro difference in savings by booking direct- enough for a good dinner

Volksoper

www.volksoper.at

same situation

April category A evening top price by purchasing from the Volksoper 80 euro from this agency 98 euro


seems to be about a 20 % mark up on each
I do not work for any music venue or any tourist related company .

I justlive in Vienna and wish to see that visitors receive good value for their stay

finding this old thread and then posting this sounds like a commercial in my opinion.

Well, I think your example of state opera was not the best one because the performance on 10th of April is already sold out but you still get tickets at the mentioned agency.

Actually what I want to point out is that ordering via a ticket agency is the most comfortable and stress-free way to ensure tickets months in advance without putting your name on a stand-by-list or waiting in line wearing your evening attire. I don’t mind to pay a booking fee in exchange the only thing I have to care about is to arrive on time and enjoy the evening.

But anyway, I just wanted to answer the original question posted by sueks and provide some of my experience I made when travelling to Vienna. After all everyone should feel free to take one's choice.

Never said people can not make their own choice - but why pay such a huge mark up when it is not necessary- almost 100 euro extra or more for 2 tickets ! It seems the poster has an interest in an agency as the only posts ever here are about the same agency - my opinion but seems like advertising to me which is not permitted on the forum.

At the time of my prior post many tickets were available- as most travelers would not wait so late to make a ticket purchase - direct is easy , much cheaper and one can still enjoy the evening - and with the large savings enjoy a fine dinner before or after the performance with my savings .