This is what the Vienna New Year's Concert 2026 brings

Sometimes relationships need time to grow. Although the Vienna Philharmonic and their upcoming New Year's Concert conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin have known each other since 2010, it wasn't love at first sight, Philharmonic board member Daniel Froschauer recalled on Monday during the traditional preview press conference for the mega event.

"The spark hadn't yet ignited," Froschauer summarized the early years of the connection. So there was a break from 2017 until Nézet-Séguin stepped in as a savior in need during a Philharmonic concert series at Carnegie Hall in 2022. "That was an incredible relief at the time," said Froschauer. And since then, the spark has been flying, not least at a joint Summer Night Concert in 2023.

In this context, the offer followed to stand at the podium of the traditional orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein on January 1, 2026. "To be asked for this concert is the greatest honor for any conductor," emphasized the 50-year-old Nézet-Séguin on Monday: "Little Yannick imagined this in his dreams 40 years ago."

Program at the Vienna New Year's Concert with Premieres

Giving people worldwide hope through music is an indescribable joy. No less than five premieres are included in the program on January 1. Carl Michael Ziehrer's waltz "Donausagen," the polka "Brausteufelchen" by Eduard Strauss, and Joseph Lanner's "Malapou-Galoppe" will shine for the first time as part of the New Year's Concert.

And after this year's premiere, where Constanze Geiger's "Ferdinandus-Walzer" was the first work by a woman to be performed at the prestigious event, two works by female composers are planned for the concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in 2026.

In the second part of the concert morning, the Vienna Philharmonic will play the polka "Sirenen Lieder" by Josephine Weinlich (1848-1887), who once founded the first women's orchestra in Europe in Vienna, and "Rainbow Waltz" by African American Florence Price (1887-1953), which has long been a heartfelt concern for Nézet-Séguin. Featuring a work by a composer with Price's background will have enormous significance for many viewers, the Canadian artist was convinced: "And it shows that Vienna is still the center of music in the world." The fundamental question for him is: "How can we respect traditions and celebrate the differences between us?"

Start with Overture to the Operetta "Indigo and the Forty Thieves"

The event opens with a genuine Johann Strauss, whose overture to the less successful operetta "Indigo and the Forty Thieves" marks the beginning on New Year's Day. Other pieces from the Strauss repertoire include the "Fledermaus Quadrille," the "Diplomaten Polka," "Roses from the South," and the "Egyptian March."

And dance enthusiasts will also get their money's worth in 2026, as ballet legend John Neumeier has designed the traditional ballet interludes this time, with costumes created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler. With "Roses from the South" and to the "Diplomaten Polka," the departing annual jubilarian Johann Strauss is also honored visually, with the MAK and the Vienna Hofburg serving as filming locations.

"This is the biggest stage one can ascend," ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz verbally increased the pressure on the artists on Monday. From 11:15 AM, ORF 2 will broadcast worldwide to millions of households after the opening documentary at 10:45 AM. 40 microphones and 14 cameras are in use to bring the atmosphere of the Musikverein into living rooms around the globe.

On site, however, the Philharmonic in 2026 is relying on enhanced security measures and, for the first time, has body scanners in use for the audience - "to ensure that no one carries anything they shouldn't," said Froschauer. For instance, in 2023, climate activists had planned disruptions during the concert.

Vienna New Year's Concert 2026: The Program at a Glance

The program of the New Year's Concert 2026 at the Musikverein on January 1st (Piece number/Composer/Title - * = First performance at a New Year's Concert):

Read articles about New Year's Eve here.

(APA/Red)

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