Vienna Classical Music and Opera Experiences: Best Concerts, Venues and Cultural Nights

Vienna is one of the world's great music capitals. From the Vienna State Opera and prestigious concert halls to Mozart evenings, Strauss performances, historic churches and intimate chamber concerts, classical music is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Austrian capital.

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If you are searching for the best Vienna classical music and opera experiences, this guide will help you compare performance styles, famous venues, daytime music attractions and complete cultural-evening itineraries. Vienna's musical heritage is closely associated with Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms and the Strauss family, but visitors do not need specialist knowledge to enjoy an evening performance.

The right choice depends on your interests, budget, available time and preferred level of formality. Some travellers dream of a full opera at the Vienna State Opera, while others prefer a shorter Mozart or Strauss concert in a historic venue. There are also daytime tours, music museums and interactive experiences for visitors who cannot attend an evening performance.

Vienna E-pass can help you organise your daytime sightseeing more efficiently, leaving your evening free for an opera, orchestra concert, chamber performance, dinner or an illuminated walk through the historic centre.

Important planning note: Concert schedules, casts, seating plans, dress expectations, starting times and admission conditions can change. Always confirm the current details with the venue or ticket provider before travelling.

Vienna Music Experiences at a Glance

Visitor type	Recommended Vienna music experience
First-time visitor	A Mozart or Strauss concert, a State Opera performance, or a classical evening in a historic central venue.
Serious opera lover	A full production at the Vienna State Opera, selected according to the programme, cast and preferred seating category.
Classical music enthusiast	A programme at Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus or another established concert institution.
Casual cultural visitor	A shorter chamber concert, church concert, accessible Mozart programme or daytime venue tour.
Couple or special occasion	An elegant evening concert followed by a walk around the Opera, Ringstrasse or historic centre.
Family	A shorter performance, music museum, interactive attraction or daytime musical experience.
Short city break	One central evening performance after a compact day of Old Town sightseeing.
Budget-conscious visitor	Compare standing places, less expensive seating areas, daytime tours and smaller concerts before booking.

Why Vienna Is One of the World's Great Music Capitals

Music in Vienna is more than an evening attraction. It is woven into the city's history, architecture and international identity. Composers lived, worked, performed and developed major parts of their careers here, while Vienna's royal and aristocratic patrons helped create a strong culture of opera, orchestral music and chamber performance.

That history remains visible today. Visitors can attend performances in grand halls, tour an opera house, explore composer-related museums, hear music in churches and combine cultural events with the same streets, palaces and neighbourhoods connected to Vienna's artistic past.

Influential composers: Vienna is associated with Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms and Johann Strauss.
Prestigious institutions: The city is home to internationally recognised opera houses, orchestras and concert halls.
Historic performance spaces: Music is presented in palaces, churches, formal halls and smaller atmospheric venues.
Varied programmes: Visitors can choose opera, symphonic music, chamber music, recitals, sacred music and accessible tourist-oriented concerts.
Strong evening culture: Concerts combine naturally with dinner, cafés and illuminated sightseeing.
Accessible entry points: Travellers can enjoy Vienna's musical heritage without being experts in classical music.

20 Best Classical Music and Opera Experiences in Vienna

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1. Attend a Performance at the Vienna State Opera

For many travellers, a performance at the Vienna State Opera is the definitive cultural night in Vienna. The experience combines music, theatre, architecture and a sense of occasion. Select the production carefully because opera length, musical style, staging and language can vary significantly.

Best for: Opera lovers and special occasions
Time needed: Most of an evening
Booking: Advance planning recommended

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2. Hear a Concert at Musikverein

Musikverein is one of Vienna's most prestigious concert destinations. It is a strong choice for visitors who care about orchestral music, soloists, chamber programmes and the atmosphere of a renowned concert institution.

Best for: Classical music enthusiasts
Time needed: Around 2–3 hours
Planning: Check the programme before choosing a date

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3. Visit Wiener Konzerthaus

Wiener Konzerthaus offers varied programming and can be a good choice for visitors who want more than the most familiar tourist repertoire. Depending on the schedule, programmes may range from major orchestral performances to chamber music, recitals and contemporary work.

Best for: Travellers who value programme variety
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Atmosphere: Formal cultural venue

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4. Enjoy a Mozart Concert

Mozart concerts are a popular introduction to classical music in Vienna. They are often designed to be immediately enjoyable and may include familiar pieces, period-inspired presentation or a programme that works well for visitors attending their first classical performance.

Best for: First-time concertgoers
Time needed: Around 1.5–2 hours
Style: Accessible and recognisably Viennese

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5. Choose a Strauss Evening

A Strauss-focused programme can include waltzes, polkas and light orchestral music associated with Vienna's elegant public image. This is often a good choice for couples and visitors seeking a festive rather than academically demanding evening.

Best for: Couples and celebratory trips
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Mood: Lively and elegant

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6. Attend a Church Concert

Church concerts offer an atmospheric way to hear classical or sacred music. Architecture and acoustics become part of the experience, although comfort, temperature and visibility can differ from a purpose-built concert hall.

Best for: Atmosphere-focused visitors
Time needed: Often 1–2 hours
Tip: Dress warmly in colder months

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7. Hear a Chamber Music Performance

Chamber music can feel more intimate than a large symphonic concert. A smaller ensemble also allows listeners to follow individual instruments more easily, making this a rewarding option for both experienced listeners and curious newcomers.

Best for: Focused listening and intimate venues
Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hours
Style: Refined and often less theatrical

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8. Attend a Vocal Recital or Lieder Evening

Vienna has a deep connection with art song, including the music of Schubert. A recital can be a particularly meaningful choice for visitors who enjoy poetry, voice and piano rather than large-scale orchestral sound.

Best for: Vocal-music enthusiasts
Time needed: Around 2 hours
Tip: Read the programme or translations in advance

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9. Take a Guided Tour of the Vienna State Opera

A daytime tour is a useful alternative when a performance does not fit your schedule. It gives architectural and historical context and may suit visitors who want to see the building without committing to a full evening production.

Best for: Day visitors and architecture lovers
Time needed: About 1 hour
Booking: Check current tour availability

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10. Explore Mozarthaus Vienna

Mozarthaus Vienna adds biographical context to a music-focused itinerary. It is especially useful before a Mozart concert because visitors can connect the composer's life in Vienna with the music they hear later.

Best for: Mozart fans and cultural visitors
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Combine with: Old Town sightseeing

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11. Visit a Composer-Related Museum or Memorial

Vienna contains several places associated with major composers. Choose one or two based on your strongest interest instead of trying to visit every music-related address in the city.

Best for: Specialist interests
Time needed: Usually 1–2 hours each
Tip: Group locations geographically

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12. Combine Dinner with a Concert

Dinner before a performance can turn a concert into a complete cultural evening. Choose a restaurant close to the venue, allow enough time for service and avoid an overly ambitious multi-course meal before a fixed starting time.

Best for: Couples and celebrations
Time needed: Full evening
Tip: Reserve extra time between dinner and curtain

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13. Walk Through Illuminated Vienna After the Performance

Many central venues are close to the Ringstrasse, Opera district, Hofburg or Old Town. A short walk after the performance allows the evening to end gradually and adds illuminated architecture to the experience.

Best for: Couples and first-time visitors
Time needed: 20–60 minutes
Cost: Free

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14. Book a Seasonal or Festive Concert

Advent, Christmas and New Year periods often bring special programmes and strong demand. Seasonal concerts can be memorable, but travellers should compare the venue, repertoire and ticket conditions carefully.

Best for: Winter trips and special occasions
Time needed: Varies
Booking: Early planning is wise

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15. Choose a Shorter Family-Friendly Performance

Families should consider duration, starting time and children's experience with live performance. A shorter afternoon concert or interactive musical attraction may work better than a long evening opera.

Best for: Families and younger listeners
Time needed: 45–90 minutes
Tip: Check age recommendations

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16. Try an Affordable Seating Category

Visitors who care more about hearing the performance than having a central visual perspective may find value in less expensive seats or standing options. Review sightline descriptions and venue rules before purchasing.

Best for: Budget-conscious music lovers
Time needed: Depends on performance
Tip: Understand comfort and visibility trade-offs

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17. Prepare by Listening Before the Concert

Listening to several key pieces before your trip can make the live performance easier to follow. This is particularly useful for first-time visitors attending a long symphony or opera.

Best for: New classical listeners
Time needed: Flexible
Cost: Usually free or low-cost

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18. Read the Opera Synopsis in Advance

Opera becomes easier to enjoy when you already understand the basic story and principal characters. A short synopsis is usually enough; there is no need to study every detail.

Best for: First-time opera visitors
Time needed: 10–20 minutes before the event
Benefit: Easier story comprehension

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19. Photograph the Venue Before the Performance

Historic concert buildings are often part of the attraction. Arrive early enough to appreciate public areas and take permitted photographs without disturbing other guests or delaying entry.

Best for: Architecture and travel photography
Time needed: Arrive 20–40 minutes early
Important: Respect venue photography rules

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20. Match the Performance to Your Travel Style

The most famous or expensive event is not automatically the best one for every visitor. Choose according to repertoire, duration, venue, seating, formality and how the evening fits into the rest of your trip.

Best for: Every visitor
Planning value: High
Tip: Compare experiences before buying

Best Classical Music Venues and Concert Halls in Vienna

Vienna offers everything from internationally famous institutions to smaller historic rooms. The venue affects acoustics, atmosphere, dress expectations, seating and the overall character of the evening.

Vienna State Opera

Best for full-scale opera and ballet in one of Vienna's most recognisable cultural buildings. Choose the production as carefully as the venue itself.

Musikverein

Best for prestigious orchestral and chamber programmes. It is especially attractive to visitors who place musical quality and concert tradition at the centre of the evening.

Wiener Konzerthaus

Best for varied programming, from major classical concerts to recitals and broader musical projects.

Historic palace venues

Best for visitors who want music combined with an elegant architectural setting and a more tourist-friendly programme.

Churches

Best for sacred music, atmospheric acoustics and a distinctive setting. Comfort conditions may differ from modern halls.

Smaller chamber venues

Best for intimacy and close contact with the performers. These can provide a rewarding alternative to large formal institutions.

How to Choose a Vienna Opera Experience

Opera combines music, theatre, design and storytelling, but individual productions differ greatly. Before purchasing tickets, consider the work, running time, language, staging style and whether the performance includes intervals.

What first-time opera visitors should consider

Read a short synopsis before attending.
Check the approximate running time and number of intervals.
Choose a seat based on both sound and sightline.
Arrive early enough to find your entrance and cloakroom.
Avoid scheduling a rushed dinner immediately before the performance.
Check whether late arrival affects admission to the auditorium.
Keep the following morning reasonably flexible after a late finish.

Opera, operetta or concert?

Opera	A complete staged dramatic work with singers, orchestra, costumes and theatrical production. Best for visitors who want a full cultural evening.
Operetta	Usually lighter in tone and often associated with melody, humour and Viennese entertainment traditions.
Orchestral concert	Focuses on the music without theatrical staging. A strong option for listeners interested in symphonies and instrumental works.
Chamber concert	Uses a smaller ensemble and often a more intimate venue. Suitable for concentrated listening.
Visitor-oriented Mozart or Strauss concert	Often shorter, familiar and accessible, making it convenient for first-time visitors and short stays.

Which Type of Vienna Concert Should You Book?

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Accessible classics

Choose a Mozart, Strauss or mixed highlights programme when you want familiar music, a manageable duration and an easy introduction to Vienna's concert culture.

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Serious orchestral music

Choose Musikverein, Konzerthaus or another established programme when repertoire, conductor and performers are more important than tourist-oriented presentation.

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Historic atmosphere

Choose a palace, church or smaller traditional venue when architecture and setting are central to the experience.

Questions to ask before booking

Who is performing, and is the ensemble clearly identified?
What works or composers are included?
How long is the programme?
Does the ticket include a fixed seat or only a seating category?
Can the stage be seen from the selected section?
Is the venue heated or air-conditioned appropriately for the season?
Are cancellations or exchanges permitted?
How far is the venue from your hotel or final daytime attraction?

Classical Music in Vienna for First-Time Visitors

You do not need to understand musical theory or know every composer's biography. A little preparation can make the evening more enjoyable, but live music can also be appreciated through atmosphere, sound and emotion.

Choose a manageable duration: A shorter concert may be better than a very long opera for your first experience.
Select familiar repertoire: Mozart and Strauss programmes are common starting points.
Read basic background: Learn the names of several pieces or the outline of the opera.
Arrive early: Historic venues may have several entrances, cloakrooms or seating levels.
Do not over-plan the day: A physically exhausting sightseeing schedule can reduce enjoyment of the evening.
Allow yourself to respond naturally: You do not need to analyse every detail to have a meaningful experience.

What to Wear to an Opera or Classical Concert in Vienna

Dress expectations depend on the venue, event and seating area. Most visitors do not need formal evening wear for a standard performance, but neat, respectful clothing is a safe choice. Premieres, gala events and special celebrations may be more formal.

Standard concert evening

Smart casual clothing is generally a practical choice: clean trousers or a skirt, a shirt, blouse, dress, sweater, jacket or similarly polished outfit.

Special occasion

Visitors may choose more elegant clothing for an anniversary, gala, premiere or premium evening, although comfort remains important.

Winter performance

Wear warm outer clothing for the journey, then use the cloakroom where available. Avoid carrying bulky coats into narrow seating areas.

Summer performance

Choose breathable clothing but keep the venue's formality in mind. A light layer can still be useful in air-conditioned interiors.

Basic concert etiquette

Switch phones to silent before the performance begins.
Avoid talking, bright screens and unnecessary movement.
Follow the venue's rules on photography and recording.
Wait for an appropriate pause before leaving your seat.
Use the interval for messages, refreshments and longer conversations.
Follow staff instructions if you arrive late.

Vienna Concert Tickets, Seating and Booking Tips

Ticket price is influenced by the venue, production, performer, date and seat location. The most expensive seat is not always necessary, but very inexpensive tickets may involve restricted views, standing or additional comfort limitations.

Ticket consideration	What to check
Seat category	Confirm the level, row, side position and whether the view is described as restricted.
Acoustics versus view	Decide whether seeing the stage clearly or hearing the music from a preferred location matters more to you.
Standing places	Check comfort, arrival procedure, duration and whether the option is suitable for your physical needs.
Digital tickets	Save tickets offline and check whether identification or a printed copy is required.
Resale and unofficial sellers	Review the seller, exact event details, final price and cancellation conditions carefully.
Children and age rules	Confirm minimum age guidance and whether every child requires an individual ticket.
Refunds and changes	Read the conditions before purchase, especially when travelling during uncertain weather or transport periods.

A famous venue name does not guarantee that every event has the same artistic format. Read the programme and organiser information carefully so you understand exactly what you are booking.

Vienna Classical Music and Opera Evening Itineraries

Classic First-Time Vienna Cultural Evening

Afternoon: Explore St. Stephen's Cathedral, Graben, Kohlmarkt and the Hofburg area.

Early evening: Have dinner or a café break near the Opera or Ringstrasse.

Performance: Attend a Mozart, Strauss or mixed classical concert.

Afterwards: Walk past the illuminated Opera, Albertina area or central Ringstrasse.

Full Vienna State Opera Evening

Daytime: Keep sightseeing compact. Choose one major attraction rather than several demanding museums.

Before the opera: Eat early and arrive with enough time for the cloakroom and seating.

Performance: Attend the complete opera or ballet production.

Afterwards: Return directly to your hotel or take a short central walk, depending on the finishing time.

Mozart-Themed Day and Evening

Morning: Visit Mozarthaus Vienna and explore the surrounding Old Town.

Afternoon: Take a café break and visit one nearby landmark or museum.

Evening: Attend a Mozart-focused concert in a historic venue.

Planning tip: Avoid placing another long guided tour immediately before the performance.

Romantic Vienna Concert Night

Late afternoon: Walk through Burggarten, the Hofburg area or the Ringstrasse.

Dinner: Reserve a restaurant within easy walking distance of the venue.

Performance: Choose a chamber concert, Strauss evening or elegant orchestral programme.

Afterwards: End with a short illuminated walk or a relaxed drink near your accommodation.

Organise your daytime sightseeing through the Vienna attractions overview and compare options using Plan and Save.

Daytime Music Attractions and Cultural Experiences

Not every music experience needs to happen at night. Daytime options are useful for families, short stays and visitors whose evening schedule is already full.

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Opera-house tour

Learn about architecture, history and backstage organisation without attending a complete performance.

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Mozarthaus Vienna

Add historical context to Mozart's life and work while remaining close to major Old Town landmarks.

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Composer museums

Choose a composer connected to your interests and build a focused visit rather than attempting every musical site.

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Interactive music experiences

Multimedia attractions can provide an accessible introduction for children and visitors who prefer participation to traditional museum displays.

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Music-themed walking route

Connect composer-related locations, historic theatres, monuments and central streets at your own pace.

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Historic café break

Use a café stop to read about the evening programme, rest and enjoy another part of Vienna's cultural identity.

A wider city-centre introduction can also be combined with the Vienna city highlights walking tour or an indoor historical experience such as Time Travel Vienna.

Vienna Music Experiences by Season

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Spring

Spring allows visitors to combine evening performances with palace gardens and longer daylight sightseeing. Keep a light outer layer for the walk home.

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Summer

Summer can include outdoor events and lighter clothing, but confirm whether the selected venue is indoors, outdoors or climate controlled.

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Autumn

Autumn is well suited to museum visits, cafés and formal evening culture. Build in enough travel time as daylight becomes shorter.

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Winter and festive season

Winter combines concerts with Christmas lights, seasonal markets and elegant indoor evenings. Demand can be high, and warm clothing is essential for travel between venues.

Best Vienna Music Experiences for Different Travellers

Couples	Choose an elegant chamber, orchestral or Strauss concert with dinner and an illuminated walk.
Solo travellers	A concert provides a structured evening activity and can be easier to enjoy alone than a long restaurant experience.
Families	Prioritise shorter performances, daytime tours, music museums and clear age recommendations.
Older visitors	Review stairs, lift access, walking distance, seat comfort and transport after the performance.
Students and budget travellers	Compare standing options, less expensive categories, smaller venues and daytime musical attractions.
Luxury travellers	Choose premium seating, a major production, a carefully timed dinner and private transport if preferred.
Classical music beginners	Start with familiar Mozart or Strauss highlights and a programme under approximately two hours.
Experienced listeners	Select according to conductor, soloist, orchestra, repertoire and the acoustic qualities of the hall.

More Things to Do in Vienna Beyond Music and Opera

Music can become the highlight of a Vienna trip, but it works best as part of a balanced itinerary. The city also offers imperial landmarks, major art collections, interactive experiences, coffeehouses and panoramic attractions.

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Imperial landmarks

Combine your concert evening with the Hofburg, Schönbrunn, Belvedere or a walk around Vienna's historic centre.

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Museums

Art, history and composer museums add context, but avoid exhausting yourself with several long visits before an evening performance.

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Coffeehouse culture

A traditional café is a practical place to rest, read the programme and prepare for the evening.

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Night sightseeing

The Opera district, Ringstrasse, Hofburg and Old Town are especially attractive when illuminated after a performance.

Practical Tips for Planning a Vienna Cultural Evening

Check the exact performance: Venue name alone does not tell you the programme, performers or production style.
Keep daytime sightseeing realistic: One major museum plus a performance is often enough for a full cultural day.
Allow time for dinner: Fixed curtain times leave little room for delayed service.
Arrive early: Historic buildings may have multiple entrances, cloakrooms and seating levels.
Save the ticket offline: Do not depend entirely on mobile data near the entrance.
Review transport home: Check the route after the performance, especially for late finishes.
Plan for intervals: Use them for refreshments and necessary phone checks.
Consider comfort: Very long productions, standing places and restricted-view seats are not suitable for everyone.
Confirm accessibility: Contact the venue when lift access, step-free routes or special seating are important.
Respect the event: Follow rules regarding lateness, photography, food and mobile devices.

To make the rest of your trip easier, compare the latest Vienna E-pass prices and durations and review what you get with Vienna E-pass.

Plan Your Vienna Cultural Experience

Organise your daytime attractions efficiently, reserve time for dinner and make a classical concert or opera performance the centrepiece of a memorable Vienna evening.

Plan and Save View Pass Options

Final Thoughts on Vienna's Classical Music and Opera Scene

Vienna classical music and opera experiences offer much more than an evening of entertainment. They connect visitors with the city's history, architecture and artistic identity. A full production at the Vienna State Opera, an orchestral concert at a major hall, a Mozart or Strauss programme, a church performance or a small chamber evening can each create a different but equally meaningful memory.

The best choice is the one that suits your musical interests, schedule, budget and preferred atmosphere. Compare the repertoire and venue carefully, keep the daytime plan manageable and allow enough time to arrive without stress. With thoughtful planning, a concert or opera can become the defining experience of your Vienna trip.

Start by reviewing the Vienna attractions overview and use Plan and Save to build a sightseeing schedule that leaves your evening free for music.

Vienna Classical Music And Opera Experiences: Best Concerts And Cultural Nights