Whether it’s monumental requiems, grand orchestral sounds, or festive music by candlelight: Vienna offers many opportunities for a special evening of classical music in the final weeks of the year. From the Vienna Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras to “Christmas in Vienna” and atmospheric candlelight concerts, a varied program awaits you in some of the city’s most impressive concert halls. Here you’ll find the classical concert highlights for November and December 2026 in Vienna:
Berlioz’s “Requiem” with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra
The Vienna Symphony Orchestra performs Berlioz’s monumental “Requiem” under the direction of Maxime Pascal. The choir and orchestra lend this dramatic work its impressive sound in the Great Hall of the Musikverein.
Vienna Symphony Orchestra with Patricia Kopatchinskaja
Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja takes center stage at this concert. Under the baton of Maxim Emelyanychev, works by Shostakovich and Beethoven will be performed; cellist Christoph Stradner will also be joining the performance.
From early November through late December, Candlelight presents a variety of classical tributes by candlelight at various venues in Vienna. The programs range from classical music and film scores to pop arrangements and seasonal tunes—giving well-known music a new, atmospheric twist.
Mahler with Petr Popelka and André Schuen
In this concert, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, under Petr Popelka, joins forces with baritone André Schuen. In addition to the Friday evening performance, there will be a matinee on Sunday—both performances feature works by Gustav Mahler.
Vienna Philharmonic with Rudolf Buchbinder
Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, Dutilleux’s “Métaboles,” and Ravel’s “Boléro” make up the program for these evenings. Rudolf Buchbinder performs the piano part, and Alain Altinoglu conducts the Vienna Philharmonic. The concerts will take place on November 27 and 28 at the Musikverein and on November 30 at the Konzerthaus.
“Advent with Elīna Garanča”
Mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča presents a festive concert together with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Singakademie, and tenor Freddie de Tommaso. The program ranges from Handel and Schubert to Verdi and Tchaikovsky.
Vienna Symphony Orchestra with Leif Ove Andsnes
Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is the soloist with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elim Chan. The varied program features works by Britten, Stravinsky, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky.
“Christmas in Vienna”
The ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Vienna Girls’ Choir, and the Vienna Singakademie come together for the annual Christmas Gala. In addition to traditional Christmas carols, the program features festive music from various countries.
Vienna Philharmonic under Klaus Mäkelä
Klaus Mäkelä conducts the Vienna Philharmonic through a program featuring Debussy, Thomas Adès, and Stravinsky. From the ethereal sounds of a faun to the rhythmic power of “Le sacre du printemps,” a concert full of shifting moods awaits you.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
The Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Singakademie bring Bach’s Christmas Oratorio to the stage. Alessandro De Marchi conducts the performance on December 21, featuring Parts I, II, IV, and VI of the work.
