Vienna rang in the New Year with its time-honored tradition—the New Year’s concert by the Wiener Philharmoniker. This year, the performance held special significance as it marked not just the annual celebration of music but also the debut of a woman composer’s piece within this prestigious event. Conducted by the renowned Riccardo Muti, who led the orchestra for the seventh time on January 1, 2025, the concert brought together the joyous melodies of Johann Strauss and the groundbreaking inclusion of Constanze Geiger’s "Ferdinandus-Walzer".
For decades, the Wiener Philharmoniker has delighted audiences with lively performances, showcasing the rich repertoire of the Strauss dynasty, and this year's concert was no exception. The program not only celebrated Strauss's legacy, gearing up for his 200th birthday, but also introduced audiences to music penned by Geiger, who composed her waltz at just twelve years old. The last time this waltz was heard was during the 1848 premiere led by Johann Strauss Sr., making its presence at this iconic New Year’s concert particularly poignant.
"This year we are paying tribute to the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss." So stated the officials from ORF, the Austrian broadcaster responsible for the concert's transmission to over 90 TV stations worldwide. Joining Muti and the Wiener Philharmoniker were the renowned dancers of the Wiener Staatsballett, showcasing two ballet interludes inspired by the program's festive spirit. With the concert set firmly under the golden chandeliers of the Wiener Musikverein, viewers worldwide were treated to the colorful traditions of Vienna.
Riccardo Muti, known for his commanding podium presence, described the inclusion of Geiger’s work as more than just symbolic; it was "good music," as he explained. This sentiment echoed the gradual but necessary shift within classical music’s often male-dominated narrative. Indeed, the performance of the "Ferdinandus-Walzer" was celebrated, marking it as a bold step toward inclusivity and recognition of female composers, who have historically been underrepresented.
Later, the concert featured Strauss classics, including the "Demolirer-Polka" and the well-loved "An der schönen blauen Donau" as the climactic encore. The festive atmosphere was palpable, and traditional favorites like the "Radetzky-Marsch" got the audience clapping along. This year's event was infused with nostalgia and tradition, but it also hinted at progress and change.
Meanwhile, across the Alps, another New Year’s concert was set to enchant audiences as the La Fenice Orchestra performed under the baton of Daniel Harding. The Teatro La Fenice, one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, provided the backdrop for this celebration. Listeners were treated to Verdi's enchanting melodies, including the poignant "Va, pensiero sull'ali dorate" from "Nabucco" and the festive "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" from "La Traviata".
This concert, scheduled for broadcast at 18:15 on January 1, 2025, promised to bring the rich operatic tradition of Venice to homes across Europe, echoing the sentiment of concert organizers who encouraged everyone to join the festivities from afar. "Everyone should watch the concert, even if they cannot travel to Venice," they remarked, highlighting the importance of accessibility for both performances.
The energy of the La Fenice concert mirrored the joyous occasion celebrated simultaneously back in Vienna. Harding's history with the orchestra added to the concert’s significance, marking his fifth time leading this New Year’s event, as he painted vivid musical landscapes through classic operatic works.
Throughout these performances, the cultural significance of starting the year with music remained clear. The Wiener Philharmoniker and La Fenice Orchestra crafted experiences steeped in tradition, yet they also opened the door for innovation and the recognition of composers from diverse backgrounds. Their broadcasts reached far beyond the grand halls, uniting viewers under shared musical experiences.
2025’s New Year’s concerts were more than just celebrations of the past; they were heralds of change, ensuring the musical legacy would evolve and resonate with future generations. The blend of tradition and modernity, exemplified by the inclusion of Geiger’s work at the Wiener Philharmoniker and Verdi’s grandeur at La Fenice, showcased the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift as the world stepped forward together.