Vienna Opera shuts up shop
mainThe Arcadia music store at the front of the Vienna State Opera will not reopen in the New Year.
Located close to the artists’ entrance, it was a friendly hangout for singers and tourists in need of a score, a recording, a book or a CD cut-out at ridiculously low prices, Pavarotti for three Euros when I last looked.
No more.
McDonald’s or Wienerwald?
Wretched news – but sadly a sign of the times (Covid + the general dominance of the internet for music books and scores). Many happy and rewarding visits there over the last 30 years or so. In addition to the CDs, scores, books and sheet music they always had a very impressive selection of opera memorabilia for sale, particularly signed photos of artists and conductors. Perhaps they can maintain an online presence. Lets hope Doblingers in Dorotheergasse can keep going.
Can we assume that Doblinger and Gramola are secure for the foreseeable future?
Although I knew the Arcadia shop when I lived in Vienna (I bought a Mahler mouse-mat there), I feel certain that Doblinger’s in Dorotheerg. will weather any storm, as they are part of the publishing house of same name. Sad though, to lose another high-street retailer. The Internet has disadvantages as well as advantages…
I hear the Chinese took over Arcadia… CA (it’s a joke.)