What concert, held in Vienna's Musikverein, is broadcast worldwide each New Year's Day?

The Vienna New Year’s Concert, held in the Musikverein, is broadcast worldwide each New Year’s Day.

The concert is performed by the Vienna Philharmonic in the orchestra’s famous Golden Hall. Its program centers on music by the Strauss family, especially Johann Strauss II, along with works by related composers. The performance traditionally ends with “The Blue Danube” and the “Radetzky March,” though the order and program can vary.

The concert began in 1939, when the Vienna Philharmonic presented a special performance at the Musikverein. It became an annual New Year’s event after World War II. Since then, its television broadcast has made the concert one of the best-known classical-music celebrations connected with the New Year.

The event is held on January 1, while preview performances take place beforehand. The conductor changes from year to year, and tickets are distributed through a lottery because demand is exceptionally high.