Advent Concerts in the Minoritenkirche – Music and Reflection in the Christmas Season

Advent in Vienna is a time of festive atmosphere, quiet reflection, and the beauty of classical music. The historic Minoritenkirche offers a unique setting for a musical experience that touches both the soul and spirit. From late November to December 23, the traditional Advent concerts in the Minoritenkirche invite you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the magic of classical music.

A Musical Journey Through Advent
The Advent concerts in the Minoritenkirche bring together masterpieces from different eras, creating a rich and varied program that blends festive Baroque music, virtuoso violin concertos, and classical symphonies. The focus is on works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Joseph Haydn, and the Italian Baroque period.

A highlight of the concerts is Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, where the expressive melodies bring the moods of winter and the Advent season to life. Bach’s intricate compositions add depth and contrast, while Haydn’s elegant symphonies bring a festive radiance to the performances. The Italian Baroque repertoire, with its luminous harmonies and refined beauty, completes this captivating program.

The Minoritenkirche – A Place of Music and Contemplation
One of Vienna’s most significant historic churches, the Minoritenkirche provides a stunning backdrop for these concerts. Its Gothic architecture and exceptional acoustics create a perfect setting for an unforgettable musical experience. The soft glow of candlelight and the warm tones of string instruments enhance the atmosphere, allowing audiences to truly immerse themselves in the spirit of Advent.

In the midst of the often hectic pre-Christmas season, these concerts offer a moment of reflection, an opportunity to appreciate the power of music, and a chance to fully embrace the essence of Advent.

A Festive Highlight Before Christmas
The Advent concerts in the Minoritenkirche are more than just concerts – they are an invitation to embrace the magic of music, to immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere, and to prepare for Christmas in a truly special way.

A unique experience for music lovers, visitors to Vienna, and all who wish to enrich the Advent season with unforgettable melodies.

Programme

November 29 & 30, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. - "Advent Concert at the Minoritenkirche"

Performers:
String Quintet Wiener Kammersymphonie

Program:

J. Svendsen – Romance in G major, Op. 26
A. Dvořák – Scherzo from the String Quintet, Op. 77
W. A. Mozart – 2nd and 4th movements from the Clarinet Quintet in A major, KV 581 (arranged for saxophone)
J. Haydn – Symphony No. 6 in D major "Le Matin" (arranged for string quintet)

December 4 & 5, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. -"Hommage à Mozart"

Performers: 
Kristina Miller, Piano
Karin Bonelli, Flute
Adam Novak, Violin
Marta Potulska, Viola
Liliana Kehayova, Cello

Program:

C. M. von Weber: Trio Op. 63 (1819) for Piano, Flute, and Cello
W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, KV 550 (arr. J. N. Hummel for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano)
 

December 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. -"Advent Concert: The Magic of Vivaldi"

Performers: 
Les Orpheistes Orchestra
Mario Hossen, Violin & Conductor

Program:

A. Vivaldi:
Concerto in C Major, RV 114
Cello Concerto in F Major, RV 412
Le Quattro Stagioni – The Four Seasons
La Primavera – RV 269
L’Estate – RV 315
L’Autunno – RV 293
L’Inverno – RV 297
 

December 7 & 8, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.-  "The Three Tenors: An Italian Evening"

Performers: 
Trio Caruso
TBA, Piano
TBA, Cello
TBA, Violin

Program (excerpt):

G. Verdi: La donna è mobile (Rigoletto)
G. Puccini: Nessun dorma (Turandot)
G. Donizetti: Una furtiva lagrima (L’elisir d’amore)
I. Berlin: White Christmas
A. Lara: Granada

The three tenors of Trio Carusso present an impressive program featuring the greatest arias of the opera world and beloved Christmas classics. 

December 12 & 14, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. - "Advent Concert in the Minoritenkirche"

Performers: 
String Quintet Wiener Kammersymphonie

Program:

Works by Mozart, Haydn, Schubert

December 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.-  "Goldberg Variations"

Performers: 
Mario Hossen, Violin
Marta Potulska, Viola
Liliana Kehayova, Cello

Program:

J. S. Bach: Goldberg Variations (arr. for String Trio by D. Sitkovetsky)
R. Bischof: String Trio
 

December 20, 21 & 22, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.-  "Per la notte di Natale – Baroque Music for Christmas"

Performers: 
BARUCCO Consort on historical instruments
Andreas Helm, Oboe & Conductor

Program:

J. M. Molter: Concerto Pastorale in G Major
A. Vivaldi:Il Riposo - Per il Santissimo Natale
L’Inverno (from Le Quattro Stagioni)
J. S. Bach: Concerto in C Minor, BWV 1060R for Oboe, Violin, and Strings
 

December 23, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.-  "Vivaldi – The Four Seasons"

Performers: 
String Quintet Wiener Kammersymphonie
Alexandra Tirsu, Violin

Program:

W. A. Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik, KV 525
Allegro|Romance. Andante|Menuetto. Allegretto|Rondo. Allegro

A. Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni – The Four Seasons

Venue

The Minoriten Church is a Catholic church built in French Gothic style and is located at the center of Vienna’s historic inner city, in the first district and just a few minutes away from the Hofburg. The so-called Minorites were Franciscans who founded the Minorite Monastery in Vienna in 1224. The church building was completed in 1350, as one of the first Gothic churches in Eastern Austria. Ever since then, the Minorite Church is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in Vienna. 

Since 1784, the church has been owned by the Italian Congregation and has grown to become the cultural and social centre of the Italian Catholic community of Vienna. It is often referred to as the Italian National Church of Mary of the Snows.

The striking saddle roof of the church rises above the silhouette of Vienna's city centre and its "shot down“ tower is another striking characteristic of the building, dating back from the times of the Austro-Turkish wars. Since then, some massive alterations have taken place, the last major alteration being in the years around 1900, when the neo-Gothic annexes were built in which the Italian Congregation is housed. 

The Minorite Church in Vienna is one of the oldest and most artistically valuable churches in the city and definitely provides a unique venue for classical concerts – both acoustically and architecturally.

Minorite Church
Minoritenplatz 2A
1010 Vienna

Duration

The duration of the concert is about 75 minutes, without intermission. 

Tickets

Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an e-mail containing your booking voucher. Please print it out or download it on your smartphone/tablet to show it at the evening box on the day of the concert.

In case you do not receive an e-mail in the minutes following the booking, please check your Spam folder! 

How to get there?

Minoriten Church, Minoritenplatz 2A, 1010 Vienna.; is located in the city centre. The easiest way to get there is by the subway line U3 until the station “Herrengasse” and take the exit “Minoritenplatz” which will lead you directly in front of the Minoriten Church. 

Alternatively, one can take the Tram line D,1 or 71 to the station “Rathausplatz/Burgtheater”. From there the Minoriten Church is a few minutes walk behind the Burgtheater. 

Cancellations

Cancellations are possible for this ticket up to 48 hours before the concert begin.