Journal · Opera & Balls
Going to the opera or a ball alone in Vienna?
The tickets for the premiere are booked, the ball invitation is on the table – and then that quiet question: am I going alone? Many women know this moment, especially those who have recently moved to Vienna. You love music, theatre and festive evenings, but your friend is busy, your partner isn’t keen, or there simply isn’t one right now. Here are a few thoughts – and some honest tips.
Going alone – why not?
First things first: it’s perfectly fine to go to the opera or a concert on your own. Nobody in the audience will think twice about it, and you often experience the music even more intensely. A few things make the evening easier:
- Arrive early. A glass of sparkling wine before the curtain, a glance at the programme – and you arrive in your own time.
- Make the most of the interval. Conversations start surprisingly easily in the foyer, especially with others who came alone.
- Choose your seat well. An aisle seat or a box often feels more comfortable on your own than the middle of a long row.
- Let the evening linger. A coffee house near the State Opera is the perfect place to let the music sink in.
When it’s better shared
And yet some evenings are made for two. A Viennese ball is the best example: you sit at a table with other couples, there’s dancing, and arriving alone can quickly leave you on the sidelines. The same goes for weddings, galas, embassy receptions and company parties, where you’re constantly being introduced to new people.
Even at the opera, the best part of a great evening is often the conversation afterwards. What did you think of the staging? Did that aria move you? Sharing these thoughts with someone turns a lovely evening into an unforgettable one – at the Vienna State Opera just as much as at the Salzburg Festival, where you often spend a whole day together.
A little etiquette for the ball season
The Viennese ball season peaks in January and February. If it’s your first time, a few pointers:
- Check the dress code. The invitation tells you what’s expected – at the grand balls, usually a floor-length evening gown for ladies and white tie or black tie for gentlemen.
- Reserve a table. A fixed place gives you an anchor, especially as the night goes on.
- Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll thank yourself after midnight at the latest.
Finding a companion
The obvious route is friends and colleagues. If that doesn’t work out – or you’re still building your circle in a new city – there’s a discreet alternative: a companion for the evening. That’s exactly what der Freizeitmann offers – a cultured gentleman who accompanies you on a purely social basis. Not an escort, not a dating service, simply good company for a special evening, in English or German.
Beforehand we talk through how we’ll introduce ourselves and what you’d like from the evening. Then you simply enjoy it – the music, the dancing and the conversation afterwards. You’ll find more in the FAQ and on the page Companion in Vienna.
Sometimes a beautiful evening is simply more beautiful when you don’t spend it alone.
