Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert at the Karlskirche Vienna

St Anne's Church (Annakirche)

St Anne's Church stands on Annagasse in Vienna's first district, a few minutes on foot from the shops of Kärntner Straße. Its origins go back to the 17th century and its present form is a baroque church with a richly painted interior and a sense of calm that contrasts with the busy streets outside.

Concert-goers searching for a Vienna concert in a church choose Annakirche because the space suits chamber music: the sound of the strings carries clearly in the nave without an overwhelming echo. The building is smaller and more intimate than the great halls, which makes the experience personal, and the soft lighting suits the music.

The classical concert

The concert lasts about 70 minutes and is performed by a Viennese string ensemble, playing a programme of classical and baroque favourites that can include works by composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach. The exact programme can change, so check the details confirmed with your booking.

This is a good choice if you want a classical concert in Vienna that is shorter than a full evening at a large hall. It is a single, focused hour of live music. It starts at around 20:00, and you leave in time for a late dinner in the old town.

Free seating: how to get good seats

The ticket is for free seating, which means there are no numbered seats. Seats are taken on a first-come basis, so it pays to arrive early. Many guests come 30 to 45 minutes before the start to choose seats near the front or the centre.

Vienna concert tickets with free seating are the most flexible option. Sit near the centre for balanced sound and closer to the front if you want to see the musicians well. A free concert programme is included with the ticket, so you can follow the pieces.

Around the church: the old town

The church is in the old town, so you can combine the concert with a walk to St Stephen's Cathedral, Graben and the pedestrian streets. Cafés and restaurants nearby are busy in the evening, so a table booked in advance is worthwhile.

Public transport is close, with the Stephansplatz and Karlsplatz underground stations nearby. Getting to the church is easy on foot from most central hotels. Food and drinks, and transport to the venue, are not included. If you have time before the concert, the Graben and Stephansplatz are only a few minutes away, and St Stephen's Cathedral looks beautiful when lit at night.