Official circle of friends
Experience. Support. Accompany. Convey.
Membership of the Official Circle of Friends opens up unique opportunities for you.
Experience the cultural life of the Vienna State Opera up close, exchange ideas with like-minded people and enjoy exclusive benefits. From meetings with artists and exciting discussions to exclusive backstage insights - the Circle of Friends offers you access to special experiences. You also enjoy advance purchase rights for tickets to selected performances, even before they officially go on sale.
The sponsorship contributions flow directly into innovative projects to open up the opera house to new audiences, as well as into the targeted promotion of young talents.
The Official Circle of Friends supports important areas such as the Opera Studio, the Opera School and the outreach initiatives of the Vienna State Opera.
With the opening of the new venue, NEST, the circle of friends has become even more important and plays a decisive role in implementing the creative operation and diverse programs of NEST.
With a family membership from just €75, you can share the fascination of opera with your children and grandchildren. Discover the many benefits and become a family member now!
As a private person
You can easily become a member of the Circle of Friends via our ticket shop. As a double member, you can even take one person with you to our events.
Anyone under 35 has the opportunity to become a member of our Young Circle of Friends.
A membership is always valid for the current season (September 1 - August 31).
For companies
Companies that support the Vienna State Opera make a valuable contribution to promoting young talents and future-oriented projects.
Membership of the Official Circle of Friends of the Vienna State Opera opens up access to an exclusive network of culturally aware companies and personalities. Companies can register via the office of the Circle of Friends.
Season 2025/26
Membership bookings for the 2025/26 season (September 2025 to the end of August 2026) are now possible in the webshop!
Memberships for the 2024/25 season can be booked via the Official Circle of Friends office. Please send an e-mail to freundeskreis@wiener-staatsoper.at.
Tickets
- Free tickets for dress rehearsals in the NEST (limited contingent, max. 2 tickets per production subject to availability)*
- Right of first refusal for children's productions, the Opera School concert and the Ballet Academy matinee in the main building (max. 4 tickets per performance)
- Preferential allocation for up to 4 tickets for premieres in the NEST (limited contingent)
- Seat upgrade in the NEST if seats in a better category are available on the day of the performance (15 minutes before the start of the performance)*
Special events
- Invitations to various outreach events in NEST and the main building
- Exclusive guided tours of NEST*
Further benefits
- Free delivery of the NEST season brochure
- 56.25 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
Become a NEST family member now
* For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to family members within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for remaining tickets in all categories from €15-30 for selected performances 1 day before the performance*
- For selected performances, the option to purchase U27 tickets for €20 (opera and ballet) (for young members under 27 years of age)*
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
Special Events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Juvenilia membership (special trips for young opera lovers to other European opera houses)*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 41.25 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
Please note that membership is only available to young members under the age of 35. After registering, you will be asked to upload a photo/scan of your photo ID (e.g. passport, ID card, driver's license). For data protection reasons, the copy of your ID will be deleted immediately after verification.
* For tax reasons, this service only applies to young members within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this service only applies to young members within Austria and the EU.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for remaining tickets in all categories from €15-30 for selected performances 1 day before the performance*
- For selected performances, the option to purchase U27 tickets for €20 (opera and ballet) (for young double members under 27 years of age)*
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
Special Events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the Vienna State Opera and NEST season brochures
- Juvenilia membership (special trips for young opera lovers to other European opera houses)*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
For young double members, the same benefits apply per person as for single members, whereby one person is registered as the main person and listed as a member and therefore receives the payment information. You will receive access for 2 people to the Circle of Friends events. Please note that membership is only available to Young Dual Members who are both under 35 years of age. You will be asked to upload a photo/scan of your photo ID (e.g. passport, ID card, driver's license) after registration. For data protection reasons, the copy of your ID will be deleted immediately after verification.
Become a young double member now
* For tax reasons, this service is only available to young double members within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this service is only available to young double members within Austria and the EU.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for a total of 8 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation until the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
Special events
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochure of the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 82.50 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit is only valid for members within Austria and the EU, as well as for non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this service is only available to members within Austria and the EU.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for a total of 8x2 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation until the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
Special events
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochure of the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 123.75 € of which tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
For double members, the same benefits apply per person as for single members, whereby one person is registered as the main person and listed as a member and therefore receives the payment information.
You receive access for 2 people to the Circle of Friends events.
* For tax reasons, this service only applies to dual members within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to dual members within Austria and the EU.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for purchase 2 tickets for each new opera production (except premiere night), as well as a total of 12 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events:
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits:
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures Wiener Staatsoper and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 412.25 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
Become a JUNIOR Contributor now
*For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to junior sponsors within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
**For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to junior sponsors within Austria and the EU.
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation until the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
Special events:
- Invitation to numerous events of the Official Circle of Friends incl. opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and to other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
Further benefits:
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the Vienna State Opera and NEST season brochures and the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 825 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit is only valid for supporters within Austria and the EU, as well as for non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to supporters within Austria and the EU.
Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 2 purchase tickets for the Vienna Opera Ball
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for purchase 2 tickets for each new opera production (except premiere evening), as well as a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 2.310 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit is only valid for sponsors within Austria and the EU, as well as for non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to sponsors within Austria and the EU.
Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 2 admission tickets, 2 audience tickets and 2 table shares for the Vienna Opera Ball
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 2 tickets for each new opera production (except premiere night), as well as a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
Further benefits
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
3.575 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit is only valid for sponsors within Austria and the EU, as well as for non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to sponsors within Austria and the EU.
Vienna Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 2 admission tickets and 2 table shares for the Vienna Opera Ball
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 4 tickets for each opera premiere, as well as a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- 1x per season provision of the tea room during the interval
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- Free program booklet for every premiere performance at the Vienna State Opera and NEST*
- Personal assistance with ticket reservations
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
- 10% discount "Hamtil & Söhne at the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 5.362.50 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to partners within Austria and the EU, as well as to non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to partners within Austria and the EU.
Vienna Opera Ball
- Right of first refusal for a single stage box (limited number)
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 4 tickets for each opera premiere, as well as a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- 1x per season provision of the tea room during the interval
- On request, mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- Free program booklet for every premiere performance at the Vienna State Opera and NEST*
- Personal assistance with ticket reservations
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
10% discount "Hamtil & Söhne at the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
If you are interested in becoming a Partner Plus of the Vienna State Opera, please contact us at: freundeskreis@wiener-staatsoper.at or 01 51 444 2209.
Partners Plus make a 100% sponsorship contribution (excluding donations). With regard to a possible deduction from operating expenses, please refer to paragraph 1643 of the Income Tax Guidelines 2000.
Vienna Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 2 admission tickets and 2 table shares for the Vienna Opera Ball
Tickets
- Exclusive right of first refusal for 4 tickets for each opera premiere, as well as a total of 14 tickets for selected opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation to the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance*
Special events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events organized by the Official Circle of Friends, including opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- 2x per season provision of the tea room during the interval
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- Free program booklet for every premiere performance at the Vienna State Opera and NEST*
- Personal support for ticket reservations
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events*
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)*
- 7.150 € of the membership fee is tax-deductible as a donation in Austria
* For tax reasons, this benefit is only valid for Benefactors within Austria and the EU, as well as for non-entrepreneurs in third countries.
** For tax reasons, this benefit only applies to Benefactors within Austria and the EU.
Vienna Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for a premium or double stage box for the Vienna Opera Ball (limited number)
Tickets
- Guaranteed allocation of 4 tickets for each opera and ballet premiere of the season if ordered before the start of regular sales for the respective performance
- Exclusive online pre-purchase right for a total of 14 tickets for opera repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation until the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Access to a reserved contingent for premieres and all other performances at NEST (max. 3 tickets per premiere/performance, while stocks last, up to 4 weeks before the premiere/performance)
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance (except Opera Ball)
Special Events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events of the Official Circle of Friends incl. opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- 2x per season provision of the tea room during the interval
- Mention on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- Free program booklet for every premiere performance at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Personal support for ticket reservations
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)
If you are interested in becoming a Benefactor Plus of the Vienna State Opera, please contact us at: freundeskreis@wiener-staatsoper.at or 01 51 444 2209.
Benefactor Plus make a 100% sponsorship contribution (excluding donations). With regard to a possible deduction from operating expenses, please refer to paragraph 1643 of the Income Tax Guidelines 2000.
Vienna Opera Ball
- Exclusive right of first refusal for a box for the Vienna Opera Ball (limited number)
Tickets
- Guaranteed allocation of 6 tickets for each opera and ballet premiere of the season if ordered before the start of regular sales for the respective performance
- Exclusive online pre-purchase right for tickets for repertoire performances for the entire season
- Right of first refusal for selected cycles from the season presentation until the beginning of the season
- Preferential allocation of additional tickets subject to availability
- Exclusive special ticket offers for selected performances at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Access to a reserved contingent for premieres and all other performances at NEST (max. 3 tickets per premiere/performance, while stocks last, up to 4 weeks before the premiere/performance)
- Extended payment deadline for orders up to 2 weeks before the performance (except Opera Ball)
Special Events
- Invitation to various events with the management of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna State Ballet and artists* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to numerous events of the Official Circle of Friends incl. opera studio events, outreach, contingent events and other events at NEST* (please note that all events and tours are held in German)
- Invitation to premiere events*
- Invitation to backstage tours*
- Invitation to rehearsal visits for revivals and choir rehearsals*
Further benefits
- Listing on the website of the Vienna State Opera on request (Official Circle of Friends section)**, as well as in the season brochure, the annual report and the monthly magazine "Opernring2" (once per season)
- Mention in the program booklet for the Opera Ball 2026 on request
- Free delivery of the season brochures of the Vienna State Opera and NEST, as well as the monthly magazine "Opernring Zwei"
- Free program booklet for every premiere performance at the Vienna State Opera and NEST
- Personal support for ticket reservations
- VIP FEDORA ticket service and special events
- 10% discount at "Hamtil & Söhne in the Vienna State Opera" (excluding books and vouchers)
If you are interested in becoming a donor of the Vienna State Opera, please contact us at: freundeskreis@wiener-staatsoper.at or 01 51 444 2209.
Donors make a 100% sponsorship contribution (excluding donations). With regard to possible deductibility from operating expenses, please refer to paragraph 1643 of the Income Tax Guidelines 2000.
Our events
"Lion sofa dialogues"
This series of events invites personalities from the Vienna State Opera and interesting guests to talk about opera, art and culture. Moderated by dramaturges from the Vienna State Opera, with musical performances by young talents from the opera studio.
"Lunch break with ..."
Well-known opera singers and conductors come to the Gustav Mahler Saal for an informal discussion. Members of the Circle of Friends can meet their favorite artists, gain exciting insights into their everyday lives and ask questions.
"... any questions?"
This format offers technical insights from the center box to the stage as well as artistic opera stories and anecdotes from a member of the Vienna State Opera ensemble in the magnificent tea room.
"Understanding music" with Jendrik Springer
Shortly before each opera premiere, Jendrik Springer offers a musical introduction. At the piano and in conversation with a dramaturge, he explains key features of the score. This event is exclusively for higher membership categories.
"The leading team presents"
Directors and members of the leading team provide detailed insights into staging strategies and artistic concepts before the premiere. This event is an exclusive offer for higher membership categories of the Circle of Friends.
"Happy Hour" in the Opera Studio
The Opera Studio of the Vienna State Opera invites young members of the Circle of Friends to get to know the up-and-coming talent. The evening concludes with rehearsals and a relaxed discussion with Michael Kraus and the Friends team.
"On the trail of ..."
During a walk in the immediate vicinity of the Vienna State Opera, connections between Vienna and important composers are explored. Together with our dramaturges, central sites of the composers musical lives and their biographical highlights are discussed.
Decoration workshop
The decoration workshops of ART for ART Theaterservice GmbH are among the largest in Europe. Our members are given an exclusive tour of the workshops, where stage sets and decorations for the Vienna State Opera are also created.
Costume collection
Immerse yourself in over 60 years of stage history! The Art for Art costume collection is the largest in Europe with over 250,000 costumes from all eras and genres: from futuristic to historical, from productions of the Vienna State Opera and other theaters.