Dutch violinist André Rieu loves his to see his audience humming, singing and swaying to the music when he and the Johann Strauss Orchestra perform in major concert venues across the world. Rieu says his dream is to make classical music accessible to everyone because ‘there couldn't be a greater pleasure for a musician than to watch guests enjoying the music’.
Music fans can travel to Vienna with Saga Holidays to see André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra in concert at the Wiener Stadhalle and enjoy irresistible waltzes, classical music and operetta on a special
four-night break.
Hotel Vienna Mercure Westbahnhof (4Q), in the centre of Austria’s capital, is the base for exploring the city as well as tours of the surrounding area.
Excursions include Vienna Wood, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the beautiful foothills of the Alps, where guests can view the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz, the world’s second oldest Cistercian Monastery.
The spa town of Badenon is also on the itinerary, plus the village of Gumpoldskirchen where guests can tuck in to traditional meal, accompanied by local wine and music in a wine inn known as a ‘heuriger’.
Next, a guided tour of Vienna reveals the city’s artistic and intellectual legacy shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Sights include the Ringstrasse; home to the opera house, Burg Theatre and Houses of Parliament.
During free time guests can opt to see view imperial palaces, the Habsburgs’ summer residence and Belvedere Palace, one of Vienna’s greatest baroque landmarks, which houses an art collection that includes Gustav Klimt’s painting ‘The Kiss’.
Vienna’s famous coffee houses, where ‘coffee house culture’ has existed since the 17th century, are also a must stop to sample traditional cakes such as sacher torte.
The highlight of the holiday when guests take their seats for an evening of Viennese waltzes and operettas performed by André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir and soloists.
Expect plenty of flag-waving, cheering, dancing and singing to the wonderful music at the concert-cum-party.
After a lively evening, guests can share their favourite moments of the concert while on a tour of Burgenland, in the east of Austria. The region is known for its wine and sunshine and in the village of Rust, a traditional lunch and a tour of a wine cellar with wine tasting are on the itinerary, plus an opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the vineyards. The day ends with short boat cruise on Lake Neusiedl, a beautiful and unique nature reserve.
