Get ready for a musical extravaganza that will kick off 2026 with unparalleled elegance! The Vienna Philharmonic is set to dazzle audiences worldwide with their iconic New Year's Day concert, broadcast live from the legendary Musikverein in Vienna on January 1, 2026. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this year’s performance will be led by the dynamic Yannick Nézet-Séguin, marking his debut as conductor for this prestigious event. Since his first collaboration with the Philharmonic in 2010, Nézet-Séguin has graced the stage with them nearly three dozen times, including memorable U.S. tours like the one in California in March 2025. This isn’t just another concert—it’s a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the timeless power of music.
And this is the part most people miss: the 2026 program is a treasure trove of surprises, featuring six works never before performed by the Vienna Philharmonic on New Year's Day, including two pieces by women composers. Is classical music finally giving women composers the spotlight they deserve? Let’s discuss in the comments! As always, the encore will include the immortal Blue Danube waltz and the rousing Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Senior, ensuring the evening ends on a high note.
For over two decades, NPR Music has brought this magical event to American public radio stations, making it the largest live classical radio concert in the world. Last year alone, 391 stations joined in, proving that great music knows no boundaries. The 2026 broadcast team includes the seasoned host Lisa Mullins (her 19th New Year’s broadcast!), engineer Andie Heuther (her debut!), and producer Brian Bell (his 28th time at the helm).
Here’s a sneak peek at the program, which blends timeless classics with fresh discoveries:
Part 1
- Johann Strauss Jr.: Indigo and the Forty Thieves: Overture
- Carl Michael Ziehrer: Danube Legends, Waltz Op. 446
- Josef Lanner: Malapou Galop Op. 148
- Eduard Strauss: Devil's Brew, Op. 154
- Johann Strauss Jr.: Fledermaus Quadrille, Op. 363
- Johann Strauss Sr.: Carnival in Paris, Op. 100
Part 2
- Franz von Suppé: The Beautiful Galatea: Overture
- Josephine Weinlich, arr. W. Dörner: Siren Songs, Op. 13
- Josef Strauss: Woman's Dignity, Waltz Op. 277
- Johann Strauss Jr.: Diplomat's Polka, Op. 448
- Florence Price, arr. W. Dörner: Rainbow Waltz
- Hans Christian Lumbye: Copenhagen Steam Railway Galop
- Johann Strauss Jr.: Roses from the South, Waltz, Op. 388
- Johann Strauss Jr.: Egyptian March, Op. 335
- Josef Strauss: Olive Branches, Waltz, Op. 207
Encores
- Philipp Fahrbach: Circus, Op.110 (First performance at a New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic)
- Johann Strauss Jr.: On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz, Op. 314
- Johann Strauss Sr.: Radetzky March, Op. 228 (Arrangement: Vienna Philharmonic)
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About NPR Music:
For over a decade, NPR Music has been the go-to destination for music lovers, offering award-winning video programming, in-depth journalism, and a platform for both celebrated and emerging artists. Dive into their Tiny Desk concerts, podcasts, and extensive archives at NPRMusic.org, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.
Press Contact: Yanius Alvarado Matos, MediaRelations@npr.org
Thought-provoking question for you: With classical music often criticized for being slow to embrace diversity, does the inclusion of works by women composers in this year’s program signal a meaningful shift? Share your thoughts below!
