WOW - i just got tickets for the opera in Vienna - now what do we wear?
Apr 17th, 2009, 10:48 AM
#23
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annhig:
Whoa! Amazing what your question has started! The offerings of food at the interval are varied. I saw a cafe type area with tables and chairs to the left off the corridor of box seats level, then one level down - the grand staircase (breathtaking) to the main refreshments - were cases of plates of canapes, sandwiches, assorted finger food, as well as a full bar and coffee/dessert selections. Then, as I was leaving this area to go back up to my seat, there were young ladies with strapped trays at their waists with petite fours - I picked out a luscious pink morsel.
Then, at street level within the Staasopera is the elegant Opera Cafe, which I did not go into, but noticed as I left was filling up with after opera folk. I imagine this would be a full service restaurant for late night dining.
I don't know about ordering ahead for dining at the interval. Maybe check that out on their web site, or email them?
BTW, I wore black pants with a black sequin top and a gold/black draped scarf and felt very comfortable.
Whoa! Amazing what your question has started! The offerings of food at the interval are varied. I saw a cafe type area with tables and chairs to the left off the corridor of box seats level, then one level down - the grand staircase (breathtaking) to the main refreshments - were cases of plates of canapes, sandwiches, assorted finger food, as well as a full bar and coffee/dessert selections. Then, as I was leaving this area to go back up to my seat, there were young ladies with strapped trays at their waists with petite fours - I picked out a luscious pink morsel.
Then, at street level within the Staasopera is the elegant Opera Cafe, which I did not go into, but noticed as I left was filling up with after opera folk. I imagine this would be a full service restaurant for late night dining.
I don't know about ordering ahead for dining at the interval. Maybe check that out on their web site, or email them?
BTW, I wore black pants with a black sequin top and a gold/black draped scarf and felt very comfortable.
Apr 17th, 2009, 03:14 PM
#24
hi travelchat,
sounds like a very elegant outfit. I shall aim to do likewise. there are two intervals according to the website, but as yet, they haven'y told me what time the performance starts! LOL - that would be useful.
i think that supper in the Opera cafe might be a little late for us, so I'm going to explore the "order ahead buffet" option - I'll let you know what I discover. the petit fours sound fun.
I too am amazed at the interest in this thread. Whod have thunk it?
regards, ann
sounds like a very elegant outfit. I shall aim to do likewise. there are two intervals according to the website, but as yet, they haven'y told me what time the performance starts! LOL - that would be useful.
i think that supper in the Opera cafe might be a little late for us, so I'm going to explore the "order ahead buffet" option - I'll let you know what I discover. the petit fours sound fun.
I too am amazed at the interest in this thread. Whod have thunk it?
regards, ann
Apr 17th, 2009, 03:55 PM
#25
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Wow Ann, Wiener Staatsoper, Aida, Italian-GCSE, mentions of Dracula, Hmmm.... I am afraid you have no choice but to wear that rarely-used evening cape to truly get in the mood for it all 
Hope you enjoy it 
Hope you enjoy it
Apr 17th, 2009, 10:56 PM
#26
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Some information for the state Opera
Standing Room - tickets go on sale 80 minutes before the performance at this special box office-
It is nice to enjoy the Buffet at the intermission ( known as a pause here )
It is catered by a well known and good firm Gerstner.
few visitors realize that you can reserve a table , make an order for snacks and drinks to be waitig for you.
This is a great thing as you avoid the long lines- not easy to stand holding a snack plate and drink- you avoid this and have a good place to watch the passing scene.
www.gerstner.at
or the Opers website
www.staatsoper.at
click on general ticket sales then to services.
Mode of dress often is dictated by the area of your seating - more expensive seating better dressed - men in suits and ties- lowwer prices often more casual.
The exception is a Premiere evening when more formal dress ids the norm.
Musikverein often has tickets available for general sale - not all performances sold out by subscription holders.
Especially if you look for a single seat, you can find tickets - not just on the stage behind the performance- not great seats.
Numerous other good venues
www.konzerthaus.at
Various music offerings
www.volksoper.at
excelent quality performances - ticket prcing less than State Opera.
I would avoid those concerts where you find ticket sellers in period costumes using high pressure efforts to convince tourists to buy their performance. They are often found near to tourist sights like the Hofburg palace.
The tickets , high riced for the quality offered.
Standing Room - tickets go on sale 80 minutes before the performance at this special box office-
It is nice to enjoy the Buffet at the intermission ( known as a pause here )
It is catered by a well known and good firm Gerstner.
few visitors realize that you can reserve a table , make an order for snacks and drinks to be waitig for you.
This is a great thing as you avoid the long lines- not easy to stand holding a snack plate and drink- you avoid this and have a good place to watch the passing scene.
www.gerstner.at
or the Opers website
www.staatsoper.at
click on general ticket sales then to services.
Mode of dress often is dictated by the area of your seating - more expensive seating better dressed - men in suits and ties- lowwer prices often more casual.
The exception is a Premiere evening when more formal dress ids the norm.
Musikverein often has tickets available for general sale - not all performances sold out by subscription holders.
Especially if you look for a single seat, you can find tickets - not just on the stage behind the performance- not great seats.
Numerous other good venues
www.konzerthaus.at
Various music offerings
www.volksoper.at
excelent quality performances - ticket prcing less than State Opera.
I would avoid those concerts where you find ticket sellers in period costumes using high pressure efforts to convince tourists to buy their performance. They are often found near to tourist sights like the Hofburg palace.
The tickets , high riced for the quality offered.
Apr 18th, 2009, 02:09 AM
#27
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i love sequinned tops
i dont have any
but my g/f always looks fabulous when she wears something a little sparkly
im more into the plain solid block colours but one day i am going to find me the perfect sequinned top and set the world a degree on its axle!
i dont have any
but my g/f always looks fabulous when she wears something a little sparkly
im more into the plain solid block colours but one day i am going to find me the perfect sequinned top and set the world a degree on its axle!
Apr 18th, 2009, 02:46 AM
#28
Hi molker -
I'd bookmarked the csterer but was unsure about whether to use them - thanks for the tip. also thansk for all those links - we have 4 nights in Vienna so I'm hoping that we might squeeze in another one, though I promise it won't be one fo the fancy costumed affairs. when we were in Krakow there was one of those outfits performing in one of the churches. it was fairly standard fare - strauss, mozart, etc - but they wanted the equivalent of €50 per ticket! the tickets at the Philharmonia were half that for the city's top musicians.
lanejohann - I do possess one of those heavily sequined tops! but it's quite heavy - I'm not sure that it will pass the Ryanair test. we have a total of 35kgs tops for all our luggage - one checked bag at 15kgs plus a carry on each at 10kgs, including my handbag with all the passports, travel details etc. Even though it wil be june, i wil be wearing a lot of clothes to travel in! [or at least to get past security].
comfy - I'd love to wear the cape - there are few if any opportunites here in Cornwall to do so! but the only way it woudl work is for me to ear it to travel, which might attact unwanted attention at the airport, especially in June.
got to stop playing now - got to mow that lawn.
regards, ann
I'd bookmarked the csterer but was unsure about whether to use them - thanks for the tip. also thansk for all those links - we have 4 nights in Vienna so I'm hoping that we might squeeze in another one, though I promise it won't be one fo the fancy costumed affairs. when we were in Krakow there was one of those outfits performing in one of the churches. it was fairly standard fare - strauss, mozart, etc - but they wanted the equivalent of €50 per ticket! the tickets at the Philharmonia were half that for the city's top musicians.
lanejohann - I do possess one of those heavily sequined tops! but it's quite heavy - I'm not sure that it will pass the Ryanair test. we have a total of 35kgs tops for all our luggage - one checked bag at 15kgs plus a carry on each at 10kgs, including my handbag with all the passports, travel details etc. Even though it wil be june, i wil be wearing a lot of clothes to travel in! [or at least to get past security].
comfy - I'd love to wear the cape - there are few if any opportunites here in Cornwall to do so! but the only way it woudl work is for me to ear it to travel, which might attact unwanted attention at the airport, especially in June.
got to stop playing now - got to mow that lawn.
regards, ann
Apr 18th, 2009, 08:13 AM
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Thanks Ann, Looks like it is still dirt cheap to go to the Opera if I have my exchange rate correct.Can it really only be a few Aussie dollars! Have a friend hoping to go to Vienna soon and she will have no excuse not to see some splendid opera now! Kerry.
Apr 18th, 2009, 10:50 AM
#32
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YK - Thank You !
I have a little extra time to do some things now.
In addition Vienna as elsewhere is seeing a drop in recent tourism most probably due to the economic situation. It needs more visitors but probably an excelent time to visit and also find some good pricing.
Re above - it is not " dirt cheap " to see the State Opera . I would checck conversions or investigate standing room tickets.
I have a little extra time to do some things now.
In addition Vienna as elsewhere is seeing a drop in recent tourism most probably due to the economic situation. It needs more visitors but probably an excelent time to visit and also find some good pricing.
Re above - it is not " dirt cheap " to see the State Opera . I would checck conversions or investigate standing room tickets.
Apr 18th, 2009, 02:40 PM
#34
hi molker and yk - i suspect that Kerry was indeed talking about standing tickets. that or she has misplaced a decimal point of two. but they are cheaper than the ROH in covent Garden, if you compare the most expensive seats in each location. BTW, I will never again buy restricted view tickts. we did so in Madrid and it was THE most frustrating experience. and it wasn't cheap. I'd rather not go.
for "cheap" opera going, the best we have yet found was Prague. Tickets in a similar position to those we have in Vienna were about £20 each [in 2005]. in fact the flight, 3 nights hotel and all the extras was probably not much more expensive than one night in a hotel in london with an visit to the opera as its purpose. I'm not sure that that is stil true.
i'm glad that Vienna needs tourists - it's nice to be needed. so far, I've not noticed any drop in prices for hotels, but I suppose if we were prepared to wing it, or book really late, we might swing a deal or two. but I'd rather have somewhere decent booked, and despite the strength of the €, €150/night for the centre of the city looks good value to me.
if I find any bargain, I let you know.
regards, ann
for "cheap" opera going, the best we have yet found was Prague. Tickets in a similar position to those we have in Vienna were about £20 each [in 2005]. in fact the flight, 3 nights hotel and all the extras was probably not much more expensive than one night in a hotel in london with an visit to the opera as its purpose. I'm not sure that that is stil true.
i'm glad that Vienna needs tourists - it's nice to be needed. so far, I've not noticed any drop in prices for hotels, but I suppose if we were prepared to wing it, or book really late, we might swing a deal or two. but I'd rather have somewhere decent booked, and despite the strength of the €, €150/night for the centre of the city looks good value to me.
if I find any bargain, I let you know.
regards, ann
Apr 21st, 2009, 05:21 AM
#35
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Hi
My apologies for giving the impression that I meant all tickets are inexpensive.I know they can very pricey but I have heard that standing room ,which I did many years ago, is still very cheap. I doubt I could stand for too long now but was inquiring for a student friend hoping to go to Vienna soon. I worked it out that 50 passes cost about $140.00 Australian dollars using the website info below,so one pass costs less than $3 Au. Can this be right and does any one know if you need more than one voucher for a performance?
thanks-Kerry
http://www.staatsoper.at/Content.Nod...rkauf/7573.php
Standing room vouchers for balcony and gallery A booklet containing 50 standing room vouchers (value: € 100,-) can be purchased from the ticket offices, Operngasse 2, 1010 Vienna, for a price of € 75,-.(75.00 EUR = 138.793Australian dollars - XE converter )
The vouchers can be used for standing room in the balcony and gallery in the 2003/2004 season.
My apologies for giving the impression that I meant all tickets are inexpensive.I know they can very pricey but I have heard that standing room ,which I did many years ago, is still very cheap. I doubt I could stand for too long now but was inquiring for a student friend hoping to go to Vienna soon. I worked it out that 50 passes cost about $140.00 Australian dollars using the website info below,so one pass costs less than $3 Au. Can this be right and does any one know if you need more than one voucher for a performance?
thanks-Kerry
http://www.staatsoper.at/Content.Nod...rkauf/7573.php
Standing room vouchers for balcony and gallery A booklet containing 50 standing room vouchers (value: € 100,-) can be purchased from the ticket offices, Operngasse 2, 1010 Vienna, for a price of € 75,-.(75.00 EUR = 138.793Australian dollars - XE converter )
The vouchers can be used for standing room in the balcony and gallery in the 2003/2004 season.
Apr 21st, 2009, 06:34 AM
#36
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You do not need to buy vouchers for standing room. This is really for locals that look for numerous visits to the Opera.
Individual standing room tickes go on sale 80minutes before the performance at a special window. Often an extensive line to better performances.
Cost usually 4 euro for the parterre area
3 euro for Balkons
Thus no need for vouchers - you just pay for the individual ticket when purchasing.
Individual standing room tickes go on sale 80minutes before the performance at a special window. Often an extensive line to better performances.
Cost usually 4 euro for the parterre area
3 euro for Balkons
Thus no need for vouchers - you just pay for the individual ticket when purchasing.
Apr 21st, 2009, 07:34 AM
#37
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thanks Molker, I will pass that info on to my student friend.I wondered how much the individual tickets cost as this didn't seem to be on the web site and figured that it would probably be a bit more expensive than getting a book of vouchers as the locals would buy.It still costs only about $7 Au. A bargain for such an experience!
I do remember that there was a huge lineup when I went to see La Boheme so went back very early and lined up for some time for the Magic Flute with all the other students etc and had a wonderful view of the stage. But there appeared to be people from all walks of life enjoying the Opera using standing room. A wonderful idea if you up for the standing!
I do remember that there was a huge lineup when I went to see La Boheme so went back very early and lined up for some time for the Magic Flute with all the other students etc and had a wonderful view of the stage. But there appeared to be people from all walks of life enjoying the Opera using standing room. A wonderful idea if you up for the standing!
Apr 21st, 2009, 07:45 AM
#38
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Hi Kerry,
molker wrote:
<i>Cost usually 4 euro for the parterre area
3 euro for Balkons</i>
Obviously, assuming your student friend is quite young, I'm sure he/she won't mind standing (remember, standing in line for the ticket, then standing for the rest of the opera).
Also, the usher is very strict and prohibits any type of sitting on stairs. When we went a few years ago (we had seats in the nosebleed section), we witnessed the usher kicking out a few of the standing room patrons because they weren't adhering to the rules. Yes, KICKED OUT!
I also read a thread on tripadvisor forum recently, about someone fainted in the balcony standing room section. It can get fairly warm all the way up on the top, so between the heat, stagnant air, standing for hours, that can be too much for someone.
molker wrote:
<i>Cost usually 4 euro for the parterre area
3 euro for Balkons</i>
Obviously, assuming your student friend is quite young, I'm sure he/she won't mind standing (remember, standing in line for the ticket, then standing for the rest of the opera).
Also, the usher is very strict and prohibits any type of sitting on stairs. When we went a few years ago (we had seats in the nosebleed section), we witnessed the usher kicking out a few of the standing room patrons because they weren't adhering to the rules. Yes, KICKED OUT!
I also read a thread on tripadvisor forum recently, about someone fainted in the balcony standing room section. It can get fairly warm all the way up on the top, so between the heat, stagnant air, standing for hours, that can be too much for someone.
Apr 21st, 2009, 09:09 AM
#39
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Thanks Molker, Fancy telling your friends you got kicked out of the Opera just for sitting down! I think I'd make it a bit more exciting and say I was kicked out for getting drunk and starting a fight after the fat lady sang! Just kidding! However my friend is young, quiet and sober but not in the best of health. In view of what you have said I think I may advise her to book seats if she can. Thank you again for your helpful advice-Kerry
Apr 21st, 2009, 10:01 AM
#40
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Some tips for standing room-
Many in standing room are semi regular attendees. They are accustomed to this standing and relatively warm but certainly not dangerous temperature situation.They also are often quite knowledgeable about music .
Most performances have a pause or two.( intermission after about 1 hour - time for a change and perhaps a drink and sitting for a little time.
An unwritten form of etiquette- one " reserves" his/her spot for standing by tying a scarf or simlar around the bar in front of the place. They then go elsewhere and enjoy the venue . returning for the performance.
This separation also acts or leaning bar to ease the standing.
Some say sitting on the steps is prohibited due to fire safety regulations- it also must be curbed or more than just one person will decide to sit then more until the steps are impassable. Not safe and not acceptable to those moving on the stairway or who have paid a price for a seat.
Normally a caution is enough to have the offender stand and end this problem.
Ushers are usually most polite and helpful. To be removed from the House is unusual and perhaps the offender make a refusal to more or became offensive.
Many in standing room are semi regular attendees. They are accustomed to this standing and relatively warm but certainly not dangerous temperature situation.They also are often quite knowledgeable about music .
Most performances have a pause or two.( intermission after about 1 hour - time for a change and perhaps a drink and sitting for a little time.
An unwritten form of etiquette- one " reserves" his/her spot for standing by tying a scarf or simlar around the bar in front of the place. They then go elsewhere and enjoy the venue . returning for the performance.
This separation also acts or leaning bar to ease the standing.
Some say sitting on the steps is prohibited due to fire safety regulations- it also must be curbed or more than just one person will decide to sit then more until the steps are impassable. Not safe and not acceptable to those moving on the stairway or who have paid a price for a seat.
Normally a caution is enough to have the offender stand and end this problem.
Ushers are usually most polite and helpful. To be removed from the House is unusual and perhaps the offender make a refusal to more or became offensive.
