Vienna New Year's Concert The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most famous events in the world of classical music. The concert takes place in the Musikverein, which is the center of classical music for fans of this genre in Vienna. It was founded on the initiative of Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment of the Third Reich (after the Anschluss of Austria in 1938), who wanted to make Nazi Vienna a city of culture and music. The New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic is the crème de la crème: The music program is filled with joyful, vigorous but also thought-provoking compositions by the Strauss family and their contemporary composers. This is the best way to start the new year. You can also hear the sounds of typical Viennese music from a waltz through polka. All in elaborate interpretations. About Vienna New Year's Concert The Vienna New Year's Concert is an annual concert of classical music performed by the Vienna Philharmonic. This amazing concert took place at the Wiener Musikverein concert hall on 30 December, 31 December, and 1 January. The orchestra performs the same concert program on all three days. The tradition is that the last concert is broadcasted on radio and television in over 90 countries worldwide! Due to the fact that the Vienna New Year's Concert took place in Austria, the concert programme mainly includes pieces from the Strauss family - Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, and Eduard Strauss. In addition, there are also some works composed by other Austrian composers, like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Joseph Hellmesberger Jr, Otto Nicolai, and so on. Pieces composed by other European musicians, such as Wilhelm Richard Wagner or Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, also appear. In 2020, music composed by Ludwig van Beethoven was played for the first time to celebrate the 250th birthday of this composer. A bit of history... The Vienna New Year's Concert has a long tradition because the first concert took place on 31 December 1939 and was conducted by Clemens Krauss. It was the first and the only time when the concert didn't take place on 1 January. It happened during the dark times in Austrian history - it was the beginning of World War II. The income from the first concert was donated to the National Socialist fund-raising campaign. The same thing happened after the concert that took place in 1941. A new chapter in the history of the New Year's Concert started in 1979. The orchestra chose a famous conductor, Lorin Maazel, who directed the concerts through 1986. After that, the orchestra made the decision to change a conductor every year. It was an absolutely new format for the concerts! Some conductors were chosen a few times but not in a row. Vienna New Year's Concert - About Orchestra The Vienna Philharmonic was founded in 1842 and it's recognized as one of the best orchestras in the world. Members of this orchestra are selected for the Vienna State Opera. The selection process takes a long time, and musicians have to perform for the opera for at least three years. The musicians play in the Viennese playing style which means that vibrato is used very sparingly. What types of instruments can you hear during the Vienna New Year's Concert? First of all, there are violin, viola, and violoncello, but also double bass, harps, flutes, oboes, and clarinets. Additionally, you can also hear bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, tubas, and percussions. As you can see, there are many types of instruments and musicians which make this concert very varied and special. You can read about all the musicians on the Vienna Philharmonic website. We can not forget also about the concertmasters who are an important part of the orchestra. Vienna New Year's Concert - music and setting The announced programme involves about 14-20 compositions, and also three encores. The announced programme included different types of music such as waltzes, polkas, marches, and mazurkas. The Vienna New Year's Concert took place in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. Encores are a permanent element of the Vienna New Year's Concert. After the first encores, the orchestra usually performs a fast polka. The second is Johann Strauss II's waltz called "The Blue Danube", which is often interrupted by light applause and New Year's wishes in the German language from the conductor and orchestra to the audience. The final encore is Johann Stauss I's composition called "Radetzky March". During this last performance, the audience claps along under the conductor's directions. Broadcasting the concert is a very important part of this unique musical tradition. The concert is popular in Europe but also around the world and it is broadcasted on radio and television every year. Vienna New Year's Concert - Tickets The Vienna New Year's Concert is a timeless celebration, synonymous with elegance, cultural richness, and a deep appreciation for classical music. Held in the heart of Vienna, this annual event ushers in the New Year with a symphony of classical masterpieces, performed by some of the world’s most esteemed musicians. The enchanting music, set against the backdrop of Vienna's historic concert halls, creates a magical atmosphere that captivates audiences from around the globe. Securing tickets to this prestigious event is a sought-after achievement, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of classical music in one of the world's most beautiful cities. As a beacon of high culture and sophistication, the Vienna New Year's Concert is more than just a performance; it's a celebration of the enduring beauty and transformative power of music. It's an event that leaves a lasting impression, embodying the spirit of the New Year with hope, joy, and timeless elegance. Why is it worth buying tickets for the Vienna New Year's Concert? The Vienna New Year's Concert is more than just a musical event; it's an embodiment of cultural prestige and a celebration of the rich musical heritage that Vienna is renowned for. Attending this concert offers a unique experience to immerse oneself in the world of classical music at its finest, under the guidance of some of the most respected conductors and musicians in the world. The concert, held in the splendid setting of Vienna, is not only a feast for the ears but also for the eyes, showcasing the elegance and grandeur of one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Purchasing tickets for this event is an opportunity to be part of a tradition that is broadcasted to millions around the globe, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the magic that others only witness through screens. It's a chance to start the New Year enveloped in the beauty of classical compositions, in an atmosphere charged with excitement and celebration. Each performance is a blend of history, artistry, and spectacle, making it a memorable way to welcome the New Year. Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a cherished annual tradition, the Vienna New Year's Concert is an event that promises lasting memories and a profound appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical music.