If you’re a fan of classical music, then chances are you dream of paying a visit to a place that played a pivotal role in its development. Many European cities celebrate their musical heritage with fascinating museums, fabulous concert halls, and even themed walking trails that connect commemorative statues and landmarks. If you’re keen to experience the places that inspired your favorite composers, why not book a stay in one of these cities for classical music lovers?
Leipzig, Germany
Many of the world’s most famous composers, most notably Bach and Mendelssohn, found themselves in Leipzig at some point in their careers. From 1723, Johann Sebastian Bach was the cantor at St. Thomas’s overseeing its prestigious choir, while Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy moved here in 1835 to take up the position of director for the renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra. That’s not all: Wagner, Schumann, Brahms, and Mahler all composed here. Today, high-profile festivals, including summer’s Leipzig Bachfest and the Mendelssohn Festival in fall, commemorate this illustrious past and foster a continuing affection for classical music. No matter when you visit, you can follow the Leipzig Music Trail, a walking route that connects 23 key locations in the city center that all have a strong link to Leipzig’s musical heritage.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is closely linked with the world of classical music. The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world’s best orchestras; discover its story at the Haus der Musik. The audience at their New Year concert at the sumptuously decorated Musikverein clap along enthusiastically to the upbeat Radetzky March, composed by Vienna native Johann Strauss the Elder. His son Johann, best known for composing "The Blue Danube" waltz, also paid tribute to his home city with another much-loved piece entitled "Tales from the Vienna Woods." In 1781, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart moved to Vienna from Salzburg, marrying in St. Stephen’s Cathedral and composing operas such as "The Marriage of Figaro" here. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Germany but spent more than three decades of his life in his adopted home. Thus Vienna’s musical pedigree will excite any classical music fan keen to catch a performance with a true sense of place.
Bergen, Norway
Tributes to Norway’s most famous classical composer, Edvard Grieg, are hard to miss in his hometown of Bergen. A statue of him takes a prominent place surrounded by the greenery of Byparken in the city center, while another occupies the pavement outside the Grieghallen, a concert venue named in his honor. His direct descendants own and manage the city’s Opus 16 hotel, named after his "Piano Concerto in A minor," where family heirlooms adorn the lobby. The biggest must-see for classical music lovers, however, is Grieg’s family home, Troldhaugen, located on the edge of the city. It’s now a living museum where you can immerse yourself in the composer’s life and works. Concerts are staged here regularly; if you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a performance of Peer Gynt, Grieg’s most successful composition.
Milan, Italy
Milan is where you’ll find Teatro alla Scala – or La Scala as it’s known to English speakers – one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Empress Maria Theresa of Austria oversaw its construction in the 1770s after its predecessor, the Teatro Regio Ducale, was destroyed by fire. Puccini’s "Madama Butterfly" and "Turandot," as well as works by Verdi, Rossini, and Bellini, are among the many operas that premiered at La Scala. Verdi in particular made quite a contribution to classical music in Milan. It was here that he enjoyed his first major success with Nabucco. However, early failures in his own career meant he was acutely aware of how challenging life could be and so he founded a retirement home for impoverished musicians. Casa Verdi is now a museum and is open to visitors, who can pay their respects at his tomb in the crypt.
Prague, Czechia
Classical music plays a big part in Czech culture. The country gave us Antonín Dvořák, a composer most famous for his "New World Symphony" and who drew inspiration from the music of Moravia and Bohemia. Visit the Czech capital, Prague, and grab concert tickets for a performance inside St. Nicholas’ Church on Old Town Square, incidentally where Mozart himself once played the 4000 pipe organ. Other historic venues include Prague Castle, the Rudolfinum, and Smetana Hall in the Municipal House. In summer especially, it’s not uncommon to find buskers performing classical music on Charles Bridge or in the squares and cobbled streets of the city’s old town. Meanwhile, opera fans can catch a performance at three stellar locations: the National Theatre, Estates Theatre, and State Opera. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the Prague Spring International Music Festival, which kicks off in May each year.
Paris, France
Debussy, Ravel, Bizet, Chopin, and Saint-Saëns are the headliners on a long list of great French composers. Each of them had a strong connection to the country’s capital, making Paris the ideal place to indulge a passion for classical music. A ticket to see a performance at the Philharmonie de Paris is a must, as much for the architecture as for the acoustics – Jean Nouvel has done a fine job of creating a building that’s as eye-catching as it is functional. If you prefer something more old-school, it’s hard to beat a concert in one of the city’s many churches. While the world waits for Notre Dame to reopen after 2020’s devastating fire, there are a host of alternatives, such as La Sainte Chapelle, a medieval Gothic chapel in the heart of the city. Opera fans should pay a visit to the exquisite Palais Garnier or the more contemporary Opéra Bastille. Finally, if you’re in Paris during the summer months, why not catch an outdoor performance in one of its beautiful parks?
