When we think about Austria, one of the first things that comes to mind is its unrivaled music culture, as the country has long been a hotbed of musical invention. Due to the Habsburgs’ patronage, composers from the 18th and 19th centuries flocked to Vienna, making it the European capital of classical music. The city was connected with composers like Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss II, and many others. Traveling through Vienna, we may see Ludwig Van Beethoven’s former apartment, enjoy a classical performance at Schönbrunn Palace, or simply walk in the footsteps of these musical legends. Salzburg provides another clear example of Austria’s role as the hub of the European musical scene. Everything revolves around Mozart, one of the greatest classical music composers of all time, and his life and music. With such a storied history and easy access to popular destinations in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic, it’s no surprise that Austria is one of the most popular destinations for our custom performance tours. If you’re planning a tour in 2023 or later, you’ll want to start thinking about your destination now. So take a seat, grab a plate of Wiener Schnitzel, and learn why we believe Austria is one of the best destinations for any performance tour. INCREDIBLE VENUES Austria is the ideal destination for any visiting group, thanks in part to its rich musical history and as the birthplace of some of the world’s finest classical composers. Whether you’re hoping to cruise the river that inspired Johann Strauss’ waltzes, explore the famous Vienna Opera House, or visit Mozart’s birthplace and Joseph Haydn’s residence, the history of western classical music is everywhere in this beautiful country. Austria is famed for its medieval castles and stunning cathedrals, but it also has a plethora of fantastic concert halls (including a number of fabulous outdoor venues). The home of the Vienna Boys Choir and a gorgeous palace where Joseph Haydn once served as Kapellmeister are just two of the magnificent settings available to our groups. Concert halls, cathedrals, town squares, open-air pavilions, and gardens abound, providing excellent chances for touring ensembles to perform. If your ensemble has the opportunity to perform in Austria, take advantage of it! It feels like going back in time to follow in the footsteps of the many incredible musicians who have performed here in the past. SWEET TREATS AND COFFEE Every now and again, we need a break from the country’s music, history, and culture. When that time arrives, we can take a little break by delving into Austria’s sweet delicacies and cafe culture. From Vienna to Salzburg, and everywhere in between, there is a long history of sweet treats to enjoy. Vienna’s coffee shops, cafés, ice cream parlors, and restaurants serve a delectable range of traditional and inventive sweets. The Sachertorte, which blends plenty of chocolate with a dab of apricot jam, is one of the world’s most famous pastries. Apple strudel, krapfen, and kaiserschmarrn, are also popular in the city. DIVERSE, ACCESSIBLE AND AUTHENTIC Because Austria is relatively small, travelers can jump from city to city and stop by the countryside along the way. All of the major cities are well-connected, with inexpensive bus and train lines readily available. Visitors will be able to experience beautiful natural scenery one day and exquisite towns the next. Austria is alive with the sound of music, from Vienna’s enormous Schönbrunn Palace to Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg. This small country offers dramatic contrasts and stunning beauty, with a huge metropolitan culture and picturesque Alpine towns. Some of Europe’s most stunning locations have become overrun with tourists. When a city or country grows too popular, oftentimes the local culture suffers as restaurants and other activities begin pandering to tourists, and crowds grow too large to enjoy the destination. With Austria, this has not been the case. It’s still as real and authentic as ever. Many travelers overlook Austria since it is slightly off the beaten path, but this destination is ideal for music lovers and non-music lovers alike. The history of western classical music is everywhere in Austria, and we’ll help you experience and understand it. Visit our website to learn more about taking your ensemble on a performance tour to Austria!
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