Riccardo Muti to Conduct Vienna Philharmonic’s 2025 New Year’s Concert
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Maestro Riccardo Muti, the celebrated Italian conductor, will once again grace the stage of Vienna’s Musikverein for the New Year’s Concert, marking his seventh time leading this prestigious event. The January 1, 2025, performance promises a vibrant festivity of music, particularly honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King.”
Muti’s long-standing relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic, spanning over 54 years and more than 500 performances, ensures a performance steeped in tradition and artistry.His deep understanding of the orchestra and their unique sound promises an unforgettable experience for audiences worldwide.
This year’s program is heavily influenced by the bicentennial celebration of Strauss II’s birth.The concert will feature eight of his compositions,complemented by two works from his father,Johann Strauss I. The program also includes pieces by Eduard and Josef Strauss,with Josef Strauss’s “Transactions Waltz” serving as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Austria’s EU membership. A groundbreaking inclusion this year is the “Ferdinandus Waltz” by Constanze geiger,marking the first time a female composer’s work will be featured in the New Year’s Concert.
First Half Program Highlights
- Johann Strauss I: Freedom March, op. 226
- Josef Strauss: Village Swallows from Austria, Waltz, op. 164
- Johann Strauss II: Demolirer-Polka, Polka française, op. 269
- Johann Strauss II: Lagoon Waltz, op. 411
- Eduard Strauss: Airy and fragrant, Polka fast, op. 206
Immersive Audio Experience
The concert will be broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, offering a truly immersive listening experience. Viewers can enjoy this enhanced audio quality through internet streaming on their HbbTV devices or by accessing the streaming urls directly. For more details on accessing the 5.1 surround sound broadcast, visit oe1.ORF.at - 5.1.
Detailed Playlist
| Composer | Title | Orchestra | Conductor | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johann Strauss (father) | Freedom March op. 226 | Vienna Philharmonic | Riccardo Muti | 03:00 min |
| Josef Strauss | Village Swallows from Austria, Waltz op. 164 | Vienna Philharmonic | Riccardo muti | 08:30 min |
| Johann Strauss II | Demolirer-Polka, Polka française op. 269 | Vienna Philharmonic | Riccardo Muti | 04:00 min |
| Johann Strauss II | Lagoon Waltz op. 411 | Vienna Philharmonic | Riccardo Muti | 07:40 min |
| Eduard Strauss | Airy and fragrant, Polka fast op. 206 | Vienna Philharmonic | Riccardo Muti | 02:00 min |
Muti Returns too Vienna for Strauss Bicentennial New Year’s Concert
Maestro Riccardo Muti will once again lead the Vienna Philharmonic in their world-renowned New Year’s Concert, celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King.” The concert, taking place on January 1, 2025, at the Musikverein, promises a program overflowing with Strauss waltzes and polkas, alongside compositions by other members of the Strauss family.
A Year of Strauss
Emily Carter: Joining us today is Dr.Andrea Hoffman, author of “The Strauss Dynasty: A Century of Viennese Music.” Dr. Hoffman, welcome!
Dr. Andrea Hoffman: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the Strausses.
Emily Carter: This year’s Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert is heavily focused on Johann Strauss II. What makes this composer so enduringly popular?
Dr. Andrea Hoffman:
johann Strauss II is synonymous with Viennese waltz. His melodies are incredibly infectious, capturing a joyous spirit that transcends time and cultural boundaries. He wasn’t just a gifted composer; he was a brilliant showman who understood how to create an unforgettable experience for his audiences. His music is inextricably linked to celebrations, romance, and the grandeur of Vienna itself.
Muti’s Deep Connection to the Vienna Philharmonic
Emily Carter: Maestro Riccardo Muti has a very long history with the Vienna Philharmonic. What makes this collaboration so special?
Dr. Andrea Hoffman:
It’s a truly remarkable partnership. Muti’s deep understanding of the Viennese orchestral tradition, coupled with his passionate and precise conducting style,
makes him a perfect fit for the Vienna Philharmonic. They have a shared commitment to artistic excellence and a mutual respect that results in truly magical performances.
Emily Carter:
This will be Muti’s seventh time conducting the new Year’s Concert. What does that say about his stature in the world of classical music?
Dr. Andrea Hoffman:
Being asked to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert even once is a major honor. To be invited back seven times speaks volumes about Muti’s unusual talent and the esteem he is held in by both the orchestra and the international music community.
Looking Ahead to the Program
Emily Carter: What can you tell us about the program planned for this year’s concert?
Dr. andrea Hoffman:
This year’s program is a fantastic celebration of Johann Strauss II’s legacy, featuring many of his most beloved waltzes and polkas, such as the “Lagoon Waltz” and the ”Demolirer-Polka.” The inclusion of works by Johann Strauss I and Eduard and Josef Strauss offers a broader perspective on the musical family’s contributions to Viennese musical history. It’s also exciting to see the inclusion of Constanze Geiger’s “Ferdinandus Waltz,” marking the frist time a female composer’s work will be featured in the New Year’s Concert.
Emily Carter:
This sounds like a New Year’s Concert to remember! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Dr. Hoffman.
Dr. Andrea Hoffman: My pleasure. I wouldn’t miss this concert for the world!
