Vienna is home to the annual New Year's Concert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic.
The Vienna New Year's Concert is held at the Musikverein's Golden Hall and is centered on music by members of the Strauss family, especially Johann Strauss II. Its festive program traditionally includes waltzes, polkas, and marches, making it one of the most internationally recognized classical-music celebrations associated with New Year's Day.
The first concert in the modern series took place on December 31, 1939. After World War II, the event moved to January 1, where it has remained. The Vienna Philharmonic performs the concert, but the conductor changes from year to year.
The program usually ends with three expected pieces: “The Blue Danube,” the “Radetzky March,” and a silent pause or greeting associated with the audience response. Television broadcasts have helped make Vienna's concert a global New Year tradition.