Vienna Philharmonic: A New Year’s concert of superlatives 2026!

Vienna Philharmonic: A New Year’s concert of superlatives 2026!

On January 1, 2026, the Golden Hall of the Vienna Music Association will once again shine in festive splendour, as the Vienna Philharmonic's popular New Year's Concert is approaching. Under the direction of the celebrated conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, listeners can look forward to a rich and colorful program that presents both classics from the Viennese musical tradition and modern works. SWR reports that a tradition has developed over the years that has existed since 1939 and delights viewers worldwide.

This year the following pieces are on the program: The overture to the operetta “Indigo and the Forty Robbers” by Johann Strauss II, the waltz “Danube Sagas” by Carl Michael Ziehrer and numerous other masterpieces by composers such as Josef Lanner, Johann Strauß I, Eduard Strauß and Franz von Suppè. Particularly noteworthy is the selection of a waltz by the American composer Florence Price, which sets a modern accent and celebrates the diversity of classical music. An estimated 50 million people will listen and watch live in over 150 countries.

New Year's tradition and viewership

The New Year's Concert is more than just a musical event; it is a worldwide classic in the calendar. With numerous works by the Strauss families as well as compositions by other important Austrian composers, visitors are offered a unique experience. Wikipedia points out that the concert begins every year at 11:15 a.m. and lasts about two hours, including traditional encores such as “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” and the Radetzky March by Johann Strauss I. The ballet performances by the nine-member Vienna State Ballet will also be part of the event, which promises a festive atmosphere.

Since its early days, the New Year's Concert has come a long way. The first conductor was Clemens Krauss, and the concert series has become an indispensable part of New Year's traditions in many countries. Although the concerts took place under special conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the unbroken audience response ensured the shine of this event.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin's impressive career

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who further expanded his global career with performances in North America this summer, is known for his collaboration with leading orchestras such as the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics. The music director of the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra brings his extraordinary sense of music to Vienna and is now at the helm of this traditional concert for the first time. His experience in renowned opera houses such as the Vienna State Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden rounds off his profile, making him one of the most sought-after conductors of our time.

In recent years, the New Year's Concert has been one of the first to feature a female composer on the program, taking a further step towards equality in classical music. Continuing this tradition ensures that the concert not only remains a work of creativity of the past, but also keeps pace with the present.

With all of these exciting aspects in mind, the anticipation and high demand for tickets are once again unbroken. In the coming hours, the Golden Hall of the Vienna Music Association will be the stage for an afternoon full of musical magic. An exciting opportunity to be transported back to the great sounds of the Vienna Philharmonic!