SCL Youth Music Festival trips to Vienna
A typical school trip price depends on destination, time of travel, transport, number of passengers, accommodation and inclusions.
Austria's premier global music event for young choirs, orchestras, and ensembles, the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival is the perfect event for championing young musical talent. Held annually in the enchanting city of Vienna, this festival gathers young talents from all corners of the world to perform on some of the world's most renowned stages, including the illustrious Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the grand Wiener Konzerthaus.
Alongside spectacular performances, the festival is a vibrant celebration of music education and cultural exchange, where groups can join the non-competitive celebration, take part in interactive workshops and lectures, and have the rare opportunity to connect with musicians across a variety of cultures and specialisms.
We are proud to have exclusively partnered with the festival organisers, making us the official UK distributor for this extraordinary event. Our commitment to fostering young musical talents aligns perfectly with the festival's mission, and we look forward to welcoming groups to enjoy a remarkable festival of musical performance, appreciation, and learning.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Itineraries based around the following festival dates:
- 16th SCL Festival: 5 – 10 July, 2024
- 17th SCL Festival: 4 – 9 July, 2025
Day
1
- Arrival in Vienna
- Opening ceremony for all participants
- Conductor's kick-off meeting
- Evening meal
Day
2
- Competition and celebration for choirs, orchestras, bands, and summa ensembles (Golden Hall of the Musikverein)
- Individual concerts and performances in and around Vienna
- Guided city tour with English-speaking local guide
- Museum visit – choose between the Museum of Fine Arts, a famous composer house, or the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
Day
3
- Competition and celebration for choirs, orchestras, bands, and summa ensembles (Golden Hall of the Musikverein)
- Workshops for choirs, orchestras, bands, and summa ensembles. Held at the prestigious University of Music, these are conducted by top professionals who also form the international juries in the competition
- Individual concerts and performances in and around Vienna
Day
4
- Workshops for choirs, orchestras, bands, and summa ensembles. Held at the prestigious University of Music, these are conducted by top professionals who also form the international juries in the competition
- Haus der Musik visit
- Individual concerts and performances in and around Vienna
Day
5
- Time at leisure to explore Vienna
- Lecture, preparation for Gala Winners' Concert and group photo at the Wiener Konzerhaus
- Gala Winners' Concert
- Award ceremony and farewell reception
Day
6
- Return to UK
OR - Option to extend your trip to a nearby destination, such as Prague or Salzburg
Known as the world's capital of classical music, Vienna offers students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the city that inspired some of history's greatest composers. An SCL Youth Music Festival trip to Vienna combines performance opportunities with cultural exploration, enabling students to deepen their musical understanding while performing in an internationally renowned musical destination.
From the legacy of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss to visits to iconic concert halls and music venues, Vienna allows students to experience the history, theory and practice of music first hand. Participating in the SCL Youth Music Festival also encourages collaboration, confidence and performance excellence in a real-world setting.
Key Stage 3 Music
A music school trip to Vienna supports students in:
- Understanding the development of Western classical music
- Exploring the lives and works of influential composers
- Developing performance and ensemble skills
- Appreciating music from different historical periods and cultures
- Building confidence through live performance experiences
GCSE Music
Vienna provides valuable enrichment for students studying:
- Musical forms and conventions
- The Classical and Romantic periods
- Composition and performance techniques
- Musical analysis and listening skills
- Contextual understanding of influential composers and works
Students can explore the environments where many celebrated compositions were written and performed, bringing classroom learning to life.
A-Level Music
An educational music tour to Vienna supports:
- In-depth study of musical styles and developments
- Historical and cultural contexts of composition
- Critical listening and evaluation
- Advanced performance skills
- Independent musical research and enquiry
Experiencing Vienna's musical heritage first hand helps students develop a deeper appreciation of the evolution of classical music and its continuing global influence.
Performing Arts and Personal Development
The SCL Youth Music Festival also helps students develop:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication skills
- Self-confidence
- Leadership abilities
- Creativity and self-expression
- Cultural awareness and global understanding
Performing on an international stage creates memorable experiences that inspire students both academically and personally.
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Conveniently located just 250 metres from the Enkplatz Underground Station in Simmering, Hotel JUFA Wien is just a 20-minute journey from the centre of Vienna and St. Stephen's Cathedral. With anti-allergenic rooms, a spacious lobby, and games area, this accommodation is an excellent option for groups to wind down between festival days.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Terrace
- Games room
- Table football
Located on the southern outskirts of Vienna, this beautiful accommodation may be a little way from the centre of the city but it more than delivers on its amenities, ensuring both restful evenings and unparalleled leisure time for your group. On-site, your students can enjoy the ambience of the hotel's exotic plants, as well as a large pool and wellness area, as they wind down from a long day of performance.
- 24-hour reception
- Classroom/meeting facilities
- 2 swimming pools
- Spa and wellness centre
Conveniently located just 250 metres from the Enkplatz Underground Station in Simmering, Hotel JUFA Wien is just a 20-minute journey from the centre of Vienna and St. Stephen's Cathedral. With anti-allergenic rooms, a spacious lobby, and games area, this accommodation is an excellent option for groups to wind down between festival days.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Terrace
- Games room
- Table football
Located on the southern outskirts of Vienna, this beautiful accommodation may be a little way from the centre of the city but it more than delivers on its amenities, ensuring both restful evenings and unparalleled leisure time for your group. On-site, your students can enjoy the ambience of the hotel's exotic plants, as well as a large pool and wellness area, as they wind down from a long day of performance.
- 24-hour reception
- Classroom/meeting facilities
- 2 swimming pools
- Spa and wellness centre
Excursions
Haus der Musik
Haus der Musik is an interactive sound museum which provides a new approach to music on a playful as well as scientific level. Real and virtually created sound worlds invite visitors to directly experience, explore and create musical phenomena. The aim is to provide knowledge and understanding as well as open-mindedness and enthusiasm when dealing with music.
Das MuTh
Opened in 2012, MuTh is Vienna’s most modern concert hall, and represents a combination of both music and theatre. Today, the theatre can host as many as 300 productions each year, ranging from chamber music, contemporary styles and jazz sessions, to performance art and dance projects. With the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Boys’ Choir having performed here, MuTh is an excellent venue for inspiring music students.
Lorely Saal
Built in 1899 as a magnificent Wilhelminian hall, Lorely Saal has been a house of entertainment, education, and culture for more than 120 years. Its stucco ceiling lends the venue wonderful acoustics, while the hall's modern technical equipment make it suitable for a wide variety of events; there's little wonder it's attracted so many professional musicians such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Symphonic, and RSO.
Museum of Fine Arts
Housed in a festive palatial building on the Vienna Ring Road, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is instantly recognisable due to its octagonal dome and broad stature. The museum is the largest in Austria, and one of the most important in the world, with its enviable collection including paintings from Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Raphael, Greek and Roman antiquities, works hailing from ancient Egypt, and many more.
St Stephen's Cathedral
Far from just the main Roman Catholic church in Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral is also the seat of the city’s Archbishop of Vienna, and is one of Austria's most popular attractions, welcoming more than a million guests each year. Look out for its famous colourful zigzagged roof tiles, which make this religious space stand out amid other cathedrals in Europe.
Prater Park
Students can step back in time in this incredible space, which dates back as far as the 12th century. With features such as the national stadium, Krieau Race Track and the Republic of Kugelmugel, the park is emblematic of Austria’s heritage and has several attractions for your school group to see. Their favourite, we’ll bet, will be the Wurstelprater – an entertainment park filled with old-time amusements.
Schönbrunn Palace
This phenomenal 1,441-room Rococo-style palace is one of Austria’s most important architectural, cultural and historic monuments – and a must-visit for all student groups visiting Vienna. As the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, the Schonbrunn Palace boasts a vast history spanning over 300 years, its interiors and gardens reflecting the change in the tastes, interests and aspirations of successive monarchs.
Haus der Musik
Haus der Musik is an interactive sound museum which provides a new approach to music on a playful as well as scientific level. Real and virtually created sound worlds invite visitors to directly experience, explore and create musical phenomena. The aim is to provide knowledge and understanding as well as open-mindedness and enthusiasm when dealing with music.
Das MuTh
Opened in 2012, MuTh is Vienna’s most modern concert hall, and represents a combination of both music and theatre. Today, the theatre can host as many as 300 productions each year, ranging from chamber music, contemporary styles and jazz sessions, to performance art and dance projects. With the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Boys’ Choir having performed here, MuTh is an excellent venue for inspiring music students.
Lorely Saal
Built in 1899 as a magnificent Wilhelminian hall, Lorely Saal has been a house of entertainment, education, and culture for more than 120 years. Its stucco ceiling lends the venue wonderful acoustics, while the hall's modern technical equipment make it suitable for a wide variety of events; there's little wonder it's attracted so many professional musicians such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Symphonic, and RSO.
Museum of Fine Arts
Housed in a festive palatial building on the Vienna Ring Road, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is instantly recognisable due to its octagonal dome and broad stature. The museum is the largest in Austria, and one of the most important in the world, with its enviable collection including paintings from Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Raphael, Greek and Roman antiquities, works hailing from ancient Egypt, and many more.
St Stephen's Cathedral
Far from just the main Roman Catholic church in Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral is also the seat of the city’s Archbishop of Vienna, and is one of Austria's most popular attractions, welcoming more than a million guests each year. Look out for its famous colourful zigzagged roof tiles, which make this religious space stand out amid other cathedrals in Europe.
Prater Park
Students can step back in time in this incredible space, which dates back as far as the 12th century. With features such as the national stadium, Krieau Race Track and the Republic of Kugelmugel, the park is emblematic of Austria’s heritage and has several attractions for your school group to see. Their favourite, we’ll bet, will be the Wurstelprater – an entertainment park filled with old-time amusements.
Schönbrunn Palace
This phenomenal 1,441-room Rococo-style palace is one of Austria’s most important architectural, cultural and historic monuments – and a must-visit for all student groups visiting Vienna. As the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, the Schonbrunn Palace boasts a vast history spanning over 300 years, its interiors and gardens reflecting the change in the tastes, interests and aspirations of successive monarchs.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers
- Half-board accommodation + 3 lunch boxes + SCL water bottle
- Excursions:
- 1 performance in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein (either celebration / competition)
- 2x additional concerts in / around Vienna
- 1.5hr rehearsal in Vienna hotel before celebration / competition
- Opening ceremony in St Stephen's Cathedral
- Closing ceremony in Vienna City Hall
- 2x workshops at the University of Music
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
- Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee
- Tourist tax
- Damage deposit
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Air
Best times to travel: All year round
Coach transfer time from Calais: Around 19.5hrs
Suggested tour length: 5 days, 4 nights
- Vienna – Discover Austria’s musical capital, with iconic venues, composer heritage and world-class performances.
- Lake Garda – Combine music workshops, performances, creative excursions and Italian culture on this trip.
- Salzburg – Learn more about Mozart’s hometown, with historic venues and inspiring musical connections.
- All Music School Trips – Browse our full collection of music school trips – ideal for GCSE or independent troupes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Vienna for an SCL Youth Music Festival trip?
Vienna is one of the world's most celebrated musical cities and has been home to composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Strauss. Combining performance opportunities with outstanding cultural experiences, Vienna offers an inspiring setting for school music groups, orchestras, choirs and ensembles.
What is the SCL Youth Music Festival?
The SCL Youth Music Festival brings together school music groups from across the UK and beyond, providing students with the opportunity to perform, learn and celebrate music in an exciting international environment.
How does Vienna support music education?
Vienna's rich musical heritage helps students understand the historical development of classical music while inspiring their own musical journey. Through performances, workshops and visits to famous musical landmarks, students gain valuable insight into the artistic and cultural significance of music.
Who is the SCL Youth Music Festival suitable for?
The festival is ideal for:
- School choirs
- Concert bands
- Wind bands
- Orchestras
- String ensembles
- Chamber groups
- Individual music students
Groups of varying abilities can benefit from the experience, making it suitable for both developing and advanced performers.
How does participating in a music festival benefit students?
Participating in an international music festival helps students:
- Build confidence as performers
- Improve ensemble and musical skills
- Receive feedback and inspiration
- Develop resilience and independence
- Create lasting memories with their peers
Many teachers find students return with renewed enthusiasm for music and performing arts.
Why is Vienna known as the City of Music?
Vienna earned its reputation as the "City of Music" because it played a central role in the development of classical music and was home to some of the most influential composers in history. The city's musical traditions continue today through its world-famous orchestras, opera houses and concert venues.
What makes Vienna an inspiring destination for school music groups?
Few cities offer such a strong connection to musical history. Students can perform, learn and explore in the very city where many of the world's most celebrated composers lived and worked, creating an unforgettable educational experience that inspires future musicians.
Why should teachers choose an SCL Youth Music Festival trip to Vienna?
The combination of curriculum-linked learning, international performance opportunities, musical heritage and cultural experiences makes Vienna one of Europe's premier destinations for educational music tours. It offers a unique opportunity to motivate students, celebrate musical achievement and create memories that will last a lifetime.
