Whether it’s country, rock, jazz or pop, music is an undeniably unifying force despite the variety in personal preference. While there are numerous scenic venues across the United States that feature this musical array in the form of concerts and festivals, these stops are limited to the confines of domestic travel.
However, hidden in plain sight all over the world, historic and modern venues alike frequently showcase the same trending bands and artists. For travelers looking to add a bucket list activity or for those who just want to hear some good music in a gorgeous location, these five international concert venues are especially noteworthy and make for the perfect addition to a destination getaway.
Musikverein Wien – Austria
More commonly referred to as Musikverein or the Vienna Music Society, this decadent concert hall has stood the test of time with its roots dating back to 1870. Inspired by the Greek Revival architectural style, the history of the building is embedded in everything from the columns and temple roof to the color palette.
While the exterior is certainly a work of art in itself, the Musikverein is better known for its iconic Great Hall which has remained untouched since its original construction over 150 years ago. With world-class acoustics and in honor of its origins, the Great Hall only plays classical music, often performed by the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.
However, the Musikverein wouldn’t be famous today if hadn’t expanded with the growth of the music industry. Having added four New Halls named after the primary material used in their construction — Glass, Metal, Stone and Wood — these venues are dedicated to modern music and kid-friendly shows.
Slane Castle – Ireland
Originally built as a family home in 1703, Slane Castle has since been repurposed and quickly gained attention as an entertainment venue. Located in the village of Slane with an unbeatable view overlooking River Boyne, the castle is frequently used in the summer for the Slane Festival.
Seating around 80,000 people on its expansive lawn, the festival primarily shows rock music with big names like Bon Jovi, Eminem, The Rolling Stones and Queen having made past appearances. Rock music may not be for everyone, but Slane Castle is still a worthwhile visit. Considering its versatility as an entertainment hotspot, visitors can also participate in afternoon tea or simply take a tour of the magnificent venue.
Dubai Opera – UAE
Having been built only eight years ago in 2016, the Dubai Opera is known for its futuristic design and ability to reconfigure its layout based on the event. The structure of the building pays homage to the country’s maritime roots as it closely resembles a dhow – a traditional sailing vessel. The opera’s main stage, orchestra and seating area act as the bow, and the waiting area and parking represent the hull.
This design is quite flexible in accommodating all sorts of entertainment, ranging from concerts and ballets to operas and theatre, so there certainly is no shortage of options for visitors. Fun fact: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, is located right behind the opera house which makes for an extraordinary and striking sight.
Dalhalla – Sweden
An unlikely location for a concert venue, Dalhalla is located in a former limestone quarry in Rättvik, Sweden. Having been converted in 1995, the open-air amphitheater sits 200 feet deep into the quarry and caresses the shoreline of Lake Siljan. With a capacity of 4,000 seats, Dalhalla frequently hosts an abundance of shows each summer with a music variety encompassing opera, jazz and pop.
If being located in the quarry doesn’t make this venue interesting enough, Dalhalla is the result of one of the largest meteorites to hit Earth 380 million years ago. This makes the amphitheater only one of three places in the world where visitors can visibly see the impact of a meteorite. Nothing like a little astronomy lesson to pair with a concert!
Nîmes Amphitheatre – France
One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, this stunning oval arena was built back in 100 A.D. While known for its beauty today, the structure has undoubtedly seen its share of brutal history as it once hosted animal hunts and gladiator fights, while even being transformed into a military fortress in the sixth century.
Proving its versatility, Nîmes Amphitheatre was reconstructed again in the 18th century to revert it back to its intended use, reflecting how it stands today. With a capacity of 20,000 people, the arena is an annual summer concert venue for the Festival de Nîmes, which features contemporary music played by both national and international artists.
Jon L | 03/04/24 - 01:15 PM
Food for thought for those music lovers....
1 | reply