Not sure if this is the right forum. Apologize if not. I am visiting Austria (and Italy and France) next month. Any piano related activities I can do in Austria? What about authentic food/etc? Anyone with knowledge in Austria would like to share?

Also, anyone been to Cremona in Italy? the town that's fmaous for its violins. Is it worth a visit?

Thanks!

pno,

Not only for it's violins but there is also 'CREMONA PIANOFORTE 2013", an event similar to e.g. the NAMM or Frankfurt Musikmesse:

Cremona pianoforte 2013

Only this is taking place 27 - 29th of September; do not know when exactly you will be in Italy.

You could also visit Fazioli (they also organize home concerts), but that is in Sacile (not that far from Milan).

You know that in Vienna, Austria there is Bösendorfer. In the center of town there is e.g. the Bösendorfer Hall where you can attend concerts regularly (see Bösendorfer's website).

schwammerl.

I am curious about where in Austria you will be.

Vienna - well you cannot swing a dead cat without hitting World Class Art there. There is so much happening musically as well.

Will you BE in Vienna?

"swing a dead cat" and "World Class Art" in the same sentence!!!

Now THAT'S a feat!

Wow. I didn't know they are getting into pianos too Unfortunately I am on my way home when the event happens. Thanks for the heads up though! I will check out the Bösendorfer Hall.

What about authentic local food in Vienna? What are the must try?

Yes, Vienna and Salzburg. I will be driving so I may take a side trip easily if there are other places worth visiting.

Also you can check here:

https://www.facebook.com/brodmannpianos?fref=ts

The food is fabulous, try everything. In Vienna, Sacher Torte is the proper desert. See if you can find a difference between Demel's Bakery and the Hotel Sacher.

(I don't recommend the famous Swinging Dead Cat at Galassini's, however.)

You could visit Brodmann's World HQ:

World Headquarters of Joseph Brodmann Group:
Kudlichgasse 24, 1100 Vienna, Austria
T+43 (0) 1 890 32 03, F+43 (0) 1 890 32 03-15

http://www.brodmann-pianos.com/

Thanks everyone for your recommendations!

Marty, I will definitely try Socher Torte.

Stop by the Bosendorfer Salon right inside The Musikverein on Bosendorfer Strasse. In this picture I am there with Simon Oss. He is now Director of Bosendorfer:




Hit Demel's if you can. That is worth the coffee alone. You must see The Museum of Historical Musical Instruments. Oh, and if you have time to drive to Weiner Neustadt and take a tour of the Bosendorfer factory.

Thanks Rich!

No troubles, pno.

Some 300 meters north east of the Bösendorfer Hall is Steinway at the Opernring. It is also worth to go there and play their instruments.

I will remember my first visit there for the rest of my life - because it was my ever first meeting with a Steinway grand. It was there at Santa Claus in 2003 when I suddenly strolled along the Steinway Galerie. I went in and asked for a "test run". They let me play, for more than one hour I was in the Heaven of Good Sound. I think it must have been a new B-211. (They would have let me play longer, but my repertoire was exhausted.)

In the evening was a fine wine tasting event w. dinner in the rotunda separée, roof restaurant of the Grand Hotel also at the Opernring/Kärntner Ring near Bösendorfer Hall. Named "Le Ciel" ("The Heaven", so Heaven again). To my left sat Mrs. Kim, owner and chef of "Kim kocht" ("Kim is cooking"), one of the best asian restaurants in Europe. We had a gorgeous time, talking, wine tasting, dining.. Great afternoon, evening and night.

Vienna is always worth a travel.

On your drive to Salzburg stop and see Unterach

And when you go to Bösendorfer Hall, bring your checkbook! You'll want to buy one.

A friend of mine visited Vienna last month, and all he got me was a Bösendorfer coffee mug.

Honest, I envy you for the trip you are about to make. (Good envy, as we say in Mexico).

Have a great time.

Don't forget to share all pics.