Wiener Staatsoper

I attended two concerts in Vienna: an opera at the Wiener Staatsoper and a classical performance at the Musicverein. The state opera main hall is shown above. I learned later that the orchestra that plays there is actually the Vienna Philharmonic, but from the first note I was blown away with how beautifully they played. I found myself surprised that I actually loved the sound of their string instruments because I usually don't enjoy the scratching of the bow across the strings. The music of the orchestra however was so buttery and smooth that I did not pay much attention to the story line. I was completely lost in the music. 

The audience was mostly older white folks, but with younger people taking the standing tickets. A standing ticket was anywhere from 3-1.6 euros. For that price you get to hear the Vienna Philharmonic and watch an opera at the Vienna state opera house. Which is pretty amazing.  I honestly think the people with standing tickets had a better view than I did on the far left balcony.

Getting these standing tickets is a little bit of a secret though. You have to line up at this sign about an hour before the performance begins and eventually someone will open the door and you'll pay the standing ticket price. I did not do this myself, but many people in my hostel did and said it was a great experience for not much money. 

The state opera also broadcasts performances live on this screen outside the opera house. There are stone benches facing it and people can bring their own chairs to sit and watch the performance for free. I did not get to experience this version of the Opera,  but it still seems like a great way to experience an opera at the Vienna state opera house.