Karajan conducted at the Sofiensale

Six members of the music group tried to quell the flames using buckets of water before firefighters arrived on the scene.

Firefighters had to work through the night to completely extinguish the flames.

The fire destroyed all but the outside walls of the music hall, said the fire service.

Alert

Nearby houses were also evacuated.

Viennese authorities have now launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Composer Johann Strauss and conductor Herbert von Karajan once staged concerts in the hall, which is of major historical importance.

The building has since been used as a venue for a wide range of events including the Vienna jazz festival and has even become a popular nightclub.

Artists who have played there in recent years include the Vienna Art Orchestra and Tricky.