New York City’s own superstar conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is taking the baton at 2026’s New Year’s Day concert in Vienna, arguably the world’s most watched classical concert. The Metropolitan Opera Music Director has appeared with the Vienna Philharmonic about three dozen times but he’ll be stepping onto the world’s most prestigious podium on January 1 for the first time, bringing a piece of Lincoln Center to the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
A Historic Program of Firsts
Although “Downton Abbey” actor Hugh Bonneville returns as host, the 2026 concert breaks tradition from its usual program. Known for always playing beautiful compositions by Johann Strauss Sr. and his son, the setlist offers six new works, as well as the first-ever inclusion of women composers:
- Josephine Weinlich: Sirenen Lieder
- Florence Price: Rainbow Waltz
How to Watch in NYC
The New Year’s Concert is broadcast worldwide in over 150 countries and watched by around 50 million viewers every year. While the concert begins at 11:15 AM CET in Vienna, New Yorkers can catch the magic at 8PM ET on PBS, as well as hear it stateside via NPR. Tune into your local NPR station (WNYC) or stream via the NPR app to hear the world-famous Blue Danube waltz.
Other classical concerts in January
Various Candlelight concerts are available from the first week of January onwards, including a classical tribute to Bad Bunny on January 4 at Sony Hall. You can also catch the talented musicians of Highline String Quartet at Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on January 22, for a special performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Lastly, the iconic New York Philharmonic is taking over Radio City Music Hall on January 25, led by Gustavo Dudamel.