VIENNA NEW YEAR’S CONCERT 2026 RECAP: Yannick Nézet-Séguin makes a historic debut at the Musikverein. Read about the programme premieres by Florence Price and Josephine Weinlich, the full 2026 results, and the announcement of Tugan Sokhiev for 2027.
As the first light of 2026 touched the spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the world’s most prestigious musical tradition returned to the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. The 2026 Vienna New Year’s Concert (Neujahrskonzert) was a historic occasion, marking the debut of Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium of the Vienna Philharmonic.
In a performance broadcast to over 150 countries and watched by an estimated 50 million viewers, Nézet-Séguin led a program that masterfully balanced the nostalgic charm of the Strauss dynasty with groundbreaking additions, including the works of two female composers—a first for the New Year’s stage.concerto di capodanno 2026
A New Era: Yannick Nézet-Séguin Takes the Baton
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra, stepped onto the floral-adorned stage as a representative of the “younger generation” of world-class maestros. Though he has collaborated with the Vienna Philharmonic since 2010, this debut solidified his place among the legends like Karajan, Bernstein, and Muti who have shaped this New Year’s institution.
His conducting style—defined by a “spirited and multifaceted” energy—brought a renewed vitality to the classic Viennese waltzes. Orchestral chairman Daniel Froschauer noted that Nézet-Séguin’s leadership exemplifies the “musical language of the Philharmonic,” blending precision with an infectious joy that resonated throughout the hall.
The 2026 Program: Breaking Tradition with “Rainbow” Waltzes
While the core of the concert remained rooted in the works of Johann Strauss II and his contemporaries, the 2026 program featured five New Year’s Concert premieres. Most notably, the selection included works by two female composers, highlighting the Philharmonic’s ongoing evolution:
- Josephine Weinlich: The orchestra performed Sirens’ Songs (Polka-mazurka, op. 13). Weinlich, a pioneer who founded Europe’s first all-female orchestra in the 1860s, finally received her dues on the Musikverein stage.
- Florence Price: The Rainbow Waltz provided a poignant, colorful moment in the second half of the concert, marking a significant milestone for representation in classical music’s most traditional setting.
Key Program Highlights
| Composer | Piece | Significance |
| Johann Strauss II | Indigo and the Forty Thieves | Spirited Overture opener |
| Josephine Weinlich | Sirens’ Songs | Historical female composer debut |
| Florence Price | Rainbow Waltz | Modern, inclusive addition |
| Hans C. Lumbye | Copenhagen Steam Railway Galop | High-energy audience favorite |
| Johann Strauss II | The Blue Danube | Traditional encore with New Year’s greeting |
| Johann Strauss I | Radetzky March | The iconic rhythmic finale |
How and Where to Watch: Replays and Recordings
For those who missed the live 11:15 AM (CET) broadcast, the 2026 concert remains widely accessible through various digital and televised platforms:
- PBS (United States): Great Performances will air the concert throughout New Year’s Day and the following week. Check local listings for the “Great Performances: From Vienna” special hosted by Hugh Bonneville.
- BBC Two (United Kingdom): The concert is available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
- RaiPlay (Italy) & ORF On (Austria): Local European broadcasters have archived the full performance for on-demand streaming.
- Physical Media: Sony Classical will release the official New Year’s Concert 2026 CD and DVD on January 16, 2026, featuring the complete performance and the ballet interludes filmed at the MAK Museum.
The 2027 Announcement: Tugan Sokhiev to Lead Next Year
As is tradition, the Vienna Philharmonic concluded the day by looking ahead. The orchestra officially announced that the 2027 Vienna New Year’s Concert will be conducted by the acclaimed Russian maestro Tugan Sokhiev.
Sokhiev, known for his “message of peace” and his deep personal friendship with the orchestra dating back to 2009, was a logical choice for the Philharmonic as they continue to promote cultural unity through music. His appointment has already sparked excitement for a program that promises to be both soulful and technically brilliant.
Conclusion: A Message of Hope for 2026
The 2026 New Year’s Concert was more than a display of technical perfection; it was a “musical greeting in the spirit of hope, friendship, and peace.” With Nézet-Séguin’s inclusive programming and vibrant direction, the Vienna Philharmonic has set a hopeful tone for the year ahead, proving that even the oldest traditions can find room for new voices.
