Vienna Hofburg Orchestra Concerts

The concert:
The Concert of the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra lasts 90 minutes, with no break. The program changes each concert, but some Highlights are always performed. For example the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss, the “Polka Francaise” by Josef Strauss or arias from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Magic Flute”.

The venue(s):
The Vienna Hofburg... Orchestra Concerts usually perform at the “Redoutensaal” in the Vienna Hofburg Imperial Palace. But right now, the Austrian Parliament is being renovated and has been moved into the Redoutensaal for its duration. So the Orchestra now performs at the “Zeremoniensaal (Ceremonial Hall) ” or “Festsaal (Festival Hall)” in the Vienna Hofburg Imperial Palace. As well as in the “Mozartsaal (Mozart Haal)” in the Vienna Konzerthaus.
These historic concert halls all have a rich tradition and history in classical music. Together with the large orchestra of the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra, this creates a wonderful atmosphere.

Seating:
In most of the historical concert locations in Vienna there are no numbered seats. You will be seated by the evening personnel within your category. If you booked your tickets together you will always be seated together.
The evening box opens 1 hour minutes before the concert starts. We advise to be on time.

Dresscode:
There is no strict dress code for the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra, although smart casual is recommended.

Orchestra Size and cast of the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra:
The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra is a Symphony Orchestra. That means they perform with 30 - 40 musicians, accompanied by Opera Singers, Ballet and led by a conductor. This setup is perfect for the grand concert Halls where they perform.

Cancellation policy:
Full refunds are available until one week before the day of the concert. Thereafter a cancellation fee of 50% will be charged. All cancellations must be received in written form.

Information for people with disabilities:
Elevators are available at most of the concert locations - registration recommended.

From the Founding of the Orchestra to Concerts at the Vienna State Opera:

The history starts In 1971. Conductor Gert Hofbauer and the best musicians from all the major Vienna orchestra associations join forces to form the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra.

Their declared aim is to cultivate Viennese waltz and operetta music, and to bring it to the world. Domestic and... foreign radio and television productions, international engagements for symphonic concerts, as well as studio recordings have made the orchestra well-known and renowned. The Orchestra tours through Japan, South America and major cities in Europe.

In 1980, The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra also performs their first New Year's Concert in Vienna. This New Year's Concert in the Festsaal of the Vienna Hofburg is now one of the Highlights in any classical concert season.

The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra Concerts soon becomes a cultural institution in Vienna. The concerts are now performed 3 times a week from May to October. Additionally 2 Christmas concerts are played each year on December 25th and 26th, also in the Festsaal of the Vienna Hofburg. And of course the turn of the new year is celebrated every year with a concert on December 31st.

In 2014, Sylvia Moser takes over the direction of the orchestra. She attaches particular importance to the authentic interpretation of Viennese music, and to contemporary design of interesting programs.

After Gert Hofbauer’s death in August 2017, Giuseppe Montesano is appointed musical director by Sylvia Moser in September 2017.

In July 2018, the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra has the opportunity to perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Under conductor Kurt Schmid and in collaboration with the Austro-Japanese Festival Choir at the Vienna State Opera. The concert is a huge success.

So, one year later, in August 2019 The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra plays another concert at a sold out Vienna State Opera. This time with their traditional program, with music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josef and Johann Strauss, Emmerich Kálmán und Franz Lehár.

In 2020, 4 concerts were planned at the Vienna State Opera. Unfortunately, due to the Corona Crisis, they had to be canceled.

Fun facts about the Orchestra:

Every night the musicians prepare some musical jokes to delight the audience. This is according to the Tradition of all great Viennese orchestras and just as Johann Strauss wanted his compositions performed.