Vivaldi | The Four Seasons at St. Stephen's Cathedral - All information
In this performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you can listen to gentle winds and violent thunderstorms, birdsong and the barking of a dog, hunting and peasant dancing. Vivaldi knew better than anyone how to create musical images that stimulate the imagination and captivate the audience.
Where would it be more fitting to perform Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” – a parable of life and death – than in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where his funeral services were held after the composer’s death in 1741? In 1740, a poor Antonio Vivaldi arrived in Vienna with high hopes for the patronage of the Emperor. Just ten months after his arrival, Vivaldi died and was therefore buried in Vienna.
What is special about the VIVALDI | The 4 Seasons concerts?
The history of St. Stephen’s Cathedral begins in 1137, when St. Stephen’s Church and its congregation are first mentioned in a document. Construction of the first St. Stephen’s Church began at this time and it was consecrated in 1147. Although the church was already of considerable size at this time, it is assumed that it was not yet fully completed.
The Gothic choir was built from 1304 and consecrated in 1340. In 1365, Duke Rudolf IV, known as “the founder”, founded the cathedral chapter. Born on All Saints’ Day, Rudolf initially endowed the All Saints’ Chapter for the chapel of the Vienna Hofburg, but later moved it to the west gallery of St. Stephen’s Church. He thus laid the foundation stone for an independent cathedral chapter and a future diocese.
The south tower of the cathedral is completed in 1433 and is considered the tallest church tower in Europe at the time. Construction of the north tower began in 1450, but was not completed until 1578. The papal bull “In supremaignitatis specula” by Pope Paul II gives Vienna its own episcopal see in 1469. The new diocese encompasses the city of Vienna and extends to Mödling in the south, but is considered rather poor.
The baroque high altar is consecrated in 1647. In 1722, Vienna was elevated to an archdiocese by the papal bull “Suprema dispositione”. The catacombs beneath the cathedral, which were laid out as burial grounds in 1732, complement the impressive building.
At the end of the Second World War, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is severely damaged by a major fire. After years of restoration, the cathedral is ceremoniously reopened on April 26, 1952. On this memorable day, the newly cast Pummerin, Austria’s largest bell, also arrives in Vienna. It was cast in St. Florian near Linz and brought to Vienna in a ceremonial procession, where it was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd. The consecration of the bell and the rededication of the cathedral by Cardinal Innitzer make this day an unforgettable event.
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The program varies for each concert, but always includes highlights such as Bach’s Violin Concerto in E major, which was inspired by Vivaldi’s concertos. It combines Vivaldi’s lively style with Bach’s virtuoso solos and creates an entertaining concert experience that beautifully complements Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”.
The performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in St. Stephen’s Cathedral begins at 20:30 and lasts approximately 60 minutes without an interval.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Steffl as the Viennese call it, is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe and also one of the oldest. The first stones were laid in 1137 and its completionwas to take until the 18th century.
In 1741 Antonio Vivaldi’s funeral service was celebrated here and you should not miss the performance of his masterpiece in an atmosphere like this.
There are 3 ticket categories. There are free seats within each category. Seats in category 3. do not have a clear view of the stage.
Please wear clothing appropriate to the dignity of the place of worship.
The Harmonia Ensemble is a chamber orchestra. For Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 5 musicians perform, a solo violin and a string quartet.
Full refunds are possible up to one week before the day of the concert. After that, a cancellation fee of 50% will be charged. All cancelations must be made in writing.
Visitors with reduced mobility can enter via the main portal
Tickets for Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' at St. Stephen's Cathedral
On the website www.konzert-wien you will find information and tickets for all concerts of Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Click on the “Dates & Tickets” button to go directly to the schedule. Have fun!
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