Molker,

I see on the Philharmonikar's website that there is no advance reservation possible for ball tickets, and that they go on sale on January 11. Do they sell out quickly the first few days? The earliest day I can possibly arrive in Vienna is January 16 -- do you think that will be too late? Is there any other way to buy tickets?

(We will be staying at a relatively inexpensive hotel, so I won't be able to ask a concierge to help).

Also, have you been to the Pharmacists' Ball, BOKU Ball, or the Ball der Technik? Which would you recommend if I want to try to add another one that week?

My personal opinion-

The Pharmacists Ball is the best of those you list.

While all 3 are held in the Hofburg, the Pharmacists is quite popular and perhaps more elegant.
ticket info 43 1404 14 107
The BOKU is a newer Ball hosted by a Agriculure University - attendees tend to be a little younger of course. Mode of dress is often trachten, , dirndl, some lederhosen.

The ball Technik or the Engineers ball is ok - but not extra special.
If you happen to be in Vienna- January 15- The Blumen Ball in the City Hall is very good.

or the Jaegerball - Hunters Ball January 25

I think the above dates are correct.

The Philharmonic Ball- very popular and many in Vienna prefer this to the Opera Ball.
Many of those with subscriptions to the Musikverein / Vienna Philharmonic attend and also many old known families, some former nobility of the area also.

Thus tickets sell out quickly.

Perhaps you can try to get a ticket upon arrival but I would not guarantee success.

You can contact a ticket agency - they may be able to dothis for you

example

Jirsa Tickets

www.viennaticket.at

I would contactthem to see if they do this . Of course be prepared to pay a premium.

If you like a very good Ball experience - this evening is most enjoyable and in my opinion much icer than the Opera Ball that gets all the publicity.
Perhaps the Philharmonic prefers this .

Thank you, molker. I will ask the ticket agency.

I cannot find a website for the ÖAK. When do tickets go on sale for the Pharmacists' Ball?

Molker,

Thank you so much for recommending the agency. They have replied to my inquiry and do offer tickets for Philharmoniker Ball. However, I am confused about table reservations. Looks like Jirsa does not provide table reservations for the main hall, only in other rooms (on which they haven't given much detail).

The Philharmoniker site says one can contact them starting Oct 5 to ask about table reservations; does that mean that people pay for tables months before buying entrance tickets? If I reserve seats in one of the other rooms now through Jirsa, would it be possible to upgrade to the main hall if spaces become available, or is it nearly impossible to get seats in the main room? Which other room would be the nearest? Are there rooms with no music (when not waltzing, I really would rather have silence than disco, pop, etc)?

For Pharmacists Ball

no apecific Ball site that I know

for the main Pharmacist web site

www.apotheker.at

their address
Spitalgasse 31
A-1090 Wien

phone

43 1 1404 14107




no idea when tickets go on sale - normally should be 30- 45 days before the Ball.
Best to contct them for info.

For Boku Ball


www.bokuball.at

Tables at the Philharmonic Ball - now this starts to enter the area of local tradition - old boy network - and more.

Yes, you have the date correct for table reservations.

The main Hall - Grosser Saal

This is the best place to be of course - main area for the procession and other events. Of course the orchestra- most all good dance music to fit the place and the occasion.

Many from the other rooms will come to stand here for the procession, events and for dancing.
Some , especially the younger attendees do not pay extra money for a table. Just stand during the evening .

Many attendees and families have attended for long periods, are Musikverein subscription holders and get chances for tables.
Then you find politicos, sponsors, special friends and then more.
Thus a large group to have first chance at the preferred tables.

I believe the table reservations for the above attendees is first compiled , then the remainder seats become available if any.

I do not believe " trading up " is possible.
So your decision -
wait and take a chance- perhaps for the Grosser Saal- if none available , you could then look to the Brahms Saal.

The Musikverein website will provide some photos of this and other rooms - so you have a chance to look at this.

I guess it depends on your risk taking level -

Perhaps inquire again at the ticket agency- if they definitely cannot get a table reservation , I would think your chance iseven less.
If they can provide a Brahms Saal table - still a nice evening - no stress knowing you have your reservations.

If y lesser Hall than those listed above - I would take my chances and wait until the reservation date.

Good Luck!

Whatever you do still a great and most interesting evening

The next favored room would be the Brahms Saal - this nicely decorated and the second largest of the complex of halls and rooms.

Molker,
Thank you so much for the detailed info and advice!

One last question, Molker:

If the website says "Einlass" at 9pm and "begins" at 10pm, what time would most people arrive?

Einlass simply means admittance or the doors open at 9.

Those of Vienna have a tendency to arrive just before the opening of any event - whether Opera or others.
many will be attending pre Ball events or dinners. Many have also witnessed many openings and this is not exactly essential to them.
Arriving at 9:30 allows time to check your coat , see some of the Musikverein and find your place with leisure.

Enjoy the event !