Vienna Week – Day 2

One of our absolute favorite aspects of Vienna is the focus on the arts, and opera in Vienna does not disappoint. There are three opera houses in the city of Vienna, including the Wiener Staatsoper, which is one of the busiest opera houses in the world. Outside the Wiener Staatsoper there is a large square where operas are projected on a screen in the spring and fall so that anyone can have access to experiencing the opera. There are also live outdoor productions occasionally throughout the year. During our most recent visit to Vienna we had the opportunity to watch part of an opera from the outside square for free, as well as see a show in the opulent theater.

The Wiener Staatsoper is located right along the Ringstraße in a beautiful multi-story stone building with ornate architecture. Inside the opera house it is even more exquisite with incredible moldings and statues, phenomenal paintings along the ceilings and walls, and opulent lighting. The opera house is situated in a traditional u-shape, reflecting the fact that early opera performances were more focused on the spectacle of social interactions than the actual performance as discussed by James Johnson in Listening in Paris.

During our last visit, we had the pleasure of seeing Don Pasquale, which is a comic opera. The production was fantastic with incredible singing, lavish costumes, and a great set. During intermission, visitors were able to grab a drink and either stay in a beautiful hall or head out onto the outdoor balcony that provides visitors with views of the whole city, including the Julius Meinl building across the street. After the production, area coffee shops stay open longer for visitors to enjoy some kaffee and kuchen to discuss the production. We stopped at Cafe Mozart for some delicious cake and to engage in conversation about the excellent production of Don Pasquale.