On January 1, 2025, music lovers around the globe will usher in the New Year with two highly anticipated concerts, both streamed live on Rai channels. The New Year's Concerts from Venice and Vienna are prestigious events steeped in tradition, promising to deliver exquisite performances of classical music and operatic highlights.
From the majestic Teatro La Fenice in Venice, maestro Daniel Harding will conduct the concert featuring renowned soloists Mariangela Sicilia and Francesco Demuro. With the concert scheduled to air at 12:20 PM on Rai 1, and again at 5:30 PM on Rai 5, audiences can expect to enjoy operatic arias and duets alongside innovative dance performances by the acclaimed company Aterballetto. Choreographed by Marcos Morau, this collaboration is set to infuse classical tradition with contemporary artistry, ensuring an engaging experience for viewers at home.
Immediately following the Venice concert, audiences will be treated to the perennial favorite—the New Year’s Concert from Vienna. Set to begin at 1:30 PM on Rai 2, with subsequent transmissions at 8:00 PM on Rai 5, the Wiener Philharmoniker will grace the stage at Vienna's iconic Musikverein. Under the baton of Riccardo Muti, who is conducting this concert for the seventh time, the orchestra will perform selections celebrating the legacy of the Strauss family, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Strauss II.
This grand celebration is not merely about music; it symbolizes peace and unity among cultures, conveyed through the universal language of music. The Wiener Philharmoniker aims to send its heartfelt New Year’s wishes, filled with messages of hope, brotherhood, and friendship, across the world. Each year, this concert, viewed by millions, serves as a cultural bridge connecting diverse audiences.
Both concerts will highlight exceptional talent and artistry—Daniel Harding, with his vast experience, leads La Fenice’s own orchestra, and has worked with Sicilia and Demuro to present quintessential Italian opera highlights. Fabrizio Guttuso Alaimo will direct the televised coverage, ensuring viewers capture the full emotion and vibrancy of the performance.
Meanwhile, Muti has orchestrated numerous artistic collaborations with the Wiener Philharmoniker since 1971, leading over 500 concerts including numerous New Year’s events. This enduring partnership emphasizes not only his dedication to music but also his impact on the global classical music scene.
For those interested, the live coverage extends beyond local screens. Thanks to collaborations with international broadcasters such as WDR, ART, and BR, these concerts promise to reach audiences worldwide, showcasing Italy and Austria's cultural richness on the global stage.
The 2025 events continue to reflect the historical significance of New Year’s celebrations through music, drawing from the extensive repertoire of classic works. We can expect the Vienna concert to include renowned melodies from Strauss, whilst also embracing more contemporary pieces as seen with the inclusion of Costanze Geiger's works—a nod to the evolution of classical music.
With audiences worldwide eagerly awaiting these performances, the anticipation builds for this perfect start to the New Year. Both concerts serve as remarkable cultural rendezvous points, allowing people to connect through shared experiences of beauty and joy as we transition from one year to another.
Mark your calendars for January 1, 2025. The tradition of welcoming the New Year with classical music continues, enchanting generations and forging connections throughout the world.