A visiting friend wanted to sample the delights of the city’s musical past in a suitably historical setting. So we took him into the central Peterskirche church for the regular evening concert by the Classic Ensemble Vienna. Here’s my detailed review…
- Top-quality string quartet
- Mozart, Schubert, Bach & more
- Lasted c. 1 hour
- Wooden pews and seats
- Excellent acoustics & ambience
- Bonus: friendly staff
- Buy a ticket for the ensemble*
- See also:
Violins & Vivaldi
(The venue)
Unsurprisingly, as the home of numerous famous composers, Vienna has plenty of classical music to offer in world-class venues.
The city also caters to those of us who wish a lighter classical experience: a taste of Vienna’s musical heritage wrapped in historical ambience.
A popular example is the one-hour concert given by the Classic Ensemble Vienna: a string quartet performing in the 18th-century Peterskirche church right in the centre of Vienna.
So what can you expect? And is it worth it?
Here my review of the location, organisation and music, with ticket information and other tips to finish.
The location
(Alfred Edler von Pflügl, Interior of the Peterskirche in Vienna, painted around 1900, 63.1 × 47 cm, Belvedere, Wien, Inv.-Nr. 4679/1; Photo courtesy of and © Belvedere, Wien. Reproduced with permission under the terms of Creative Commons License CC BY-SA 4.0.)
I’ve written elsewhere about the Peterskirche itself.
Suffice to say, the interior of this early 18th-century church offers one of those “wow” moments that Vienna does so well. (Another good one is the former court library.)
The magnificent Baroque architecture, frescoes and décor provided a suitably period backdrop for the music and added gravitas and reverence to the occasion; gentle lighting and a small(ish) nave also gave the concert an intimate feel.
Another plus was the location just off the pedestrianised Graben; Peterskirche is about as central as it gets and a short walk from, for example, Stephansplatz subway station on the U1 and U3 lines.
The organisation
(This way for music and history)
We arrived at the church around 7.40pm for the 8.30pm concert and exchanged the email ticket confirmation for a paper voucher at the entrance.
Tickets did not include assigned seat numbers, but staff organised seating arrangements. This meant groups, families or friends could all sit together. The ushers were notably fast and friendly, too.
Most of the audience sat in the church’s wooden pews with small flat cushions, though some had wooden café-style chairs. Not the height of luxury, but we were comfortable enough for the hour-length concert (longer might have had us shuffling).
So…gorgeous ambience and friendly, efficient organisation. All well and good, but what about the actual performance?
The music
The Classic Ensemble Vienna string quartet gave us pieces (or excerpts of works) by Mozart, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Bach and Dvorák. Though to be honest, I’m going on the programme.
A mixture of the instantly recognisable (like Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik or Vivaldi’s Spring concerto from The Four Seasons) and the more cerebral. But all easy on the ears of someone (like me) who’s admittedly more Beatles than Beethoven.
Most importantly, the sound and quality were excellent with impeccable timing and interplay between the different quartet members.
And all quite mesmerising at times, particularly watching the cellist’s hand moving up and down like an over-caffeinated spider: a flurry of fingers teasing notes from her instrument.
One hour flew by but certainly felt long enough for those looking for an easy and high-quality taste of the classics and Vienna in a remarkable setting. So we will definitely return with future guests.
(If, however, you’re looking for longer concerts, singing, or more obscure pieces, then other options exist, of course.)
Ticket info & tips
We bought the cheapest adult tickets (I have kids to put through college) in the area furthest from the musicians, but had no regrets on that choice.
The size of the venue and excellent acoustics meant we could hear everything perfectly. In fact, the sound quality proved quite astonishing.
(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)
(Nothing on your dates? Try some alternative concerts*)
Should you want a close-up view of the musical dexterity on display, though, then a more expensive seat nearer the front obviously makes more sense.
Having said that, if you get there relatively early (as we did), then you have a solid chance of an aisle-side seat with good views down to the quartet.
Although a church and classical concert, most folk dressed casually; I spotted shorts and t-shirts in places given the warm mid-June date.
I’d maybe take it up a level out of consideration for what is a working church. But that’s a purely personal choice.
The concert had no intermission (unnecessary for an hour’s performance), so no snacks or drinks. You go for the performance and ambience.
However, cafés and restaurants fill the surrounding area. We had a fine dinner and a small beer beforehand in nearby Café Korb, one of the city’s “traditional” coffee houses.
How to get there
Follow the tips at the bottom of the Peterskirche article.
Address: Petersplatz, 1010 Vienna