The Viennese are gearing up for one of the most anticipated musical events of the year: the 2025 New Year’s Concert, which will be held at the iconic Musikverein on January 1. This celebration marks the concert's 85th edition and brings with it the joyous tradition of ringing in the new year with music.
Conducted by the renowned Italian maestro Riccardo Muti, this year’s concert will pay special homage to the composer Johann Strauss II, as it coincides with the bicentennial of his birth. Muti, who has previously conducted this noteworthy event six times, promises another spectacular performance. Known for his engaging conducting style and deep musicality, his leadership is anticipated to bring vibrancy to the program.
This year’s concert is particularly historic for another reason: it will be the first time ever to feature the composition of a female composer, Constanze Geiger. Her piece, "Ferdinandus Waltz," will be played as part of the program, highlighting the concert’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity within classical music.
Fans of classical music can catch the concert live broadcast starting at 11:15 AM local time (CET) on RTVE’s La 1 channel and will continue through various platforms including TVE Internacional Europe, Radio Nacional, Radio Clásica, and RTVE Play. The concert is expected to last until approximately 1:45 PM, making it the perfect start to the new year filled with Habsburg splendor.
The midday spectacle will feature several of Strauss II’s most beloved compositions. The program begins with the "March of Freedom" by Johann Strauss I and follows with Josef Strauss’s "Swallows of a Village from Austria," two staples of the New Year's repertoire. Also on the list are Johann Strauss II's playful polkas and waltzes, capturing the essence of Viennese musical tradition. The audience will delight as they hear pieces like "The Blue Danube" and "Radetzky March," which have become synonymous with this festive celebration.
Aside from Strauss, the concert will also include music from family members of the Strauss dynasty and other composers, including the Austrian Josef Hellmesberger. This variety promises to cater to all tastes, reflecting the rich musical heritage of Vienna.
Onlookers can also look forward to the participation of the renowned Vienna State Ballet, which will perform alongside several pieces during the concert, adding visual delight to the auditory experience. Martin Schläpfer, the ballet director, aims to synchronize classical dance with the melodies of Strauss, ensuring this New Year’s celebration exemplifies the artistry of both music and movement.
Since its inception in 1941, the New Year’s Concert has grown to become one of the most-watched cultural events worldwide, attracting millions of viewers from over 90 countries. It embodies not just musical excellence but also delivers messages of peace and hope as we step forward every year. From its grand floral decorations provided by the City of San Remo to the historic agreements facilitating its broadcast, every detail of this concert contributes to its global reputation.
For those unable to attend the concert live at the Musikverein, which is adorned with fresh flowers and filled with the spirit of celebration, tuning in via RTVE ensures the spirit of this Vienna tradition reaches homes everywhere. The mixture of classical expert analysis provided by commentator Martín Llade will also enrich the viewing experience, providing insights to deepen viewers’ appreciation for the performance.
The New Year's Concert is not merely entertainment; it is part of the cultural fabric of Europe, said Daniel Froschauer, president of the Vienna Philharmonic. This year's concert embodies years of musical dedication and reflects the family legacy left by the Strausses. Meanwhile, Riccardo Muti encapsulates the spirit of the evening with his insightful remarks, often urging the musicians to reflect the joy and hopes of the audience through their performance.
With all these elements coming together, the 2025 Vienna New Year's Concert promises to be not only memorable for its rich musical offerings but also for the historical significance of debuting works by women composers. There is little doubt this event will be met with excitement as fans of classical music and culture gather to embrace the warmth and joy of this annual tradition as the sun rises on the new year.