We were "captured by culture" during our home exchange stay in Vienna in 2017. Our hosts, very much involved in Art and Culture in Vienna, most generously invited us to many musical events,the first the stupendous LIFE BALL at the floodlit Rathaus and attended by hundreds of people, many in costume, a fund raiser for research and awareness of AIDS all over the world.

We were also invited to the opening of an exhibition at a small art gallery and to the opening night of a Summer Theatrical venue - Gemma Tschaunern, an impromptu unscripted thestre featuring a variety of artists.

We attended a celebration of 200 years of music education at the 300 year former Salesian Convent, now the University of Music and Performing Arts.

Our last day was spent at The Albertina, admiring the beautiful state rooms and a brilliant exhibition of the life and work of Egon Schiele.

On our own we enjoyed a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera, immensely impressed by the stunning interior and the history presented by a wonderful guide.

Most tourists attend an evening of popular classucal music at the Kursalon in the City Park and we thoroughly enjoyed this too.