Another beautiful spring day in Vienna met us as we left our hotel and walked once again through the Stadtpark back to the Musikverein. We paused to sit on a park bench and listen to the morning church bells call people to late morning Mass. Once we reached the plaza in front of the Musikverien, we saw a throng of music enthusiasts dressed in their Sunday best congregated outside the Musikverein.

It was a magical moment as we passed through the doors and into the foyer. For years our family has enjoyed listening to the PBS New Years Day “Live From Vienna” concert, which is held in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. The concert features the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Ballet. Most of the works are from the Strauss family and their contemporaries.

After ascending 3 flights of stairs we were met by the usher who checked our tickets and showed us which door to pass through. The Großersaal or “ Great Golden Hall” opened up as we entered the lower balcony. It was a feast for the eyes! Gold trim work, statues, painted frescos, and the mighty silver organ and pipes were breathtaking. We had very good seats along the back portion of the lower balcony and no overhang above us. The sound from the orchestra was well blended and balanced. We found our seats and then took some photos. There were many other folks taking photos too.

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The concert was played by the Orchester Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde von Wien. This is the name of the original founding orchestra of the Musikverein in 1812. The Golden Hall was built in 1870. The name of the organization is written on the front of the building Gesellschaft der Musicfreunde or “Society of Music Friends”. Musikverein is translated “Music organization”. Musicians, bands, and orchestras from all over the world use the Golden Hall and various smaller chamber and solo auditoriums. The most famous group being the Vienna Philharmonic.

The Orchester GDM played for the first half, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concerti for Oboe, Horn, Bassoon, Clarinet, and Orchestra. After the Pause (intermission) they played Brückner’s 9^th Symphony, which actually premiered in the Golden Hall in 1903.  The Orchester GDM received a standing ovation and the Viennese really love clapping!

A few more photos of the foyer on our way out and we were once again in the brilliant spring sunshine! We took a slightly different way back to the hotel passing by the Beethoven Platz and statue and once again through another section of the Stadtpark. We ate a quick lunch at Vapiano, which is an Italian chain in Europe because we ate at one In Edinburgh 2 months ago!

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After lunch we grabbed our luggage, took a quick tram ride to the Wien Hauptbahnhof where we boarded our train back to Graz. This time we had a classic 6 person cabin to ourselves. It was kinda hot, but we refreshed ourselves with water and yummy chocolates we had bought at the Manner Candy Store in the Bahnhof! We arrived in Graz as the sun was setting and were home within 15 minutes. Needless to say, we all enjoyed a nice bath and slept soundly dreaming of Vienna!

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