The Musikverein hosts the annual Vienna New Year's Concert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic.
The concert takes place in the Musikverein's Great Hall, also called the Golden Hall because of its richly decorated interior. Its program emphasizes music by the Strauss family and related composers, especially waltzes, polkas, and marches. The closing sequence traditionally includes “The Blue Danube” and the “Radetzky March,” although the audience's participation in the march is a familiar part of the broadcast tradition.
The first concert in the series was held on December 31, 1939. It moved to New Year's Day in 1941, and the January 1 performance became the internationally recognized format. The Vienna Philharmonic broadcasts it to audiences around the world.
The Vienna State Opera and the Konzerthaus are important Viennese music venues, but neither is the concert's regular home. The Musikverein building opened in 1870 and remains one of Europe's best-known concert halls.