Austria – Vienna

I went on a Vienna Opera House tour while John took in the Museum of Red Vienna.

Busts of all the famous composers are featured on the walls in the entrance.

 

The stairwell was where the nobility came to be seen in their finery by those in the balconies above.

Only ballet and opera are preformed here.

Every inch of every space including the ceilings are adorned.

The back rooms depict mosaic scenes of the workings of the theatre. 1000 people are employed. Although they boast 99% sales of all performances, that revenue, plus patron generosity, and tours constitutes only 48% of the cost.  The government supplies the remainder.

The workings of the stage are very complex and interesting.                         .

The theatre sustained severe damage during the war.  The outside was restored to its original splendour.  Not so for the damaged interior.

Seats in the theatre vary in price with the best being over £300.

However standing is always an option at a more affordable price.

Then there is the outside .

A few more clips if you like opera. This one, Die Frau ohne Schatten,  by Richard Strauss,  was 4 hours long. It was fun to sit outside and watch.