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The famous Vienna New Year\u2019s Day concert takes place on \u2013 surprise, surprise \u2013 1 January at the Austrian capital\u2019s Musikverein concert hall<\/a>. Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the best orchestras in the world<\/a>, it begins at 11.15pm and is broadcast on TV across the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n The programme every year consists largely of familiar waltzes, polkas and other dances by the Strauss family \u2013 especially Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II \u2013 but also includes other composers. Today, Johann Strauss II\u2019s much-loved Blue Danube<\/em> Waltz always features as one of the encores.<\/p>\n Ironically, the first ever Vienna New Year\u2019s Day Concert took place not on 1 January but on 31 December, 1939, when it was intended primarily as a wartime morale-booster. Clemens Krauss conducted the music on that occasion and continued to lead the majority of the concerts until 1954. At that point, it was taken over by violinist and conductor<\/a><\/strong> Willi Boskovsky, who, from 1955-79, played a large part in making it the much-loved occasion that it has become today.<\/p>\n Today, famous maestros from across the world take it in turn to enjoy the spotlight of what is one of the most popular events in the musical calendar. And for those who want to relive the action once 1 January is past, a recording of each year\u2019s concert is quickly released.<\/p>\nWhat music does the Vienna New Year\u2019s Day concert include?<\/h2>\n
When was the first Vienna New Year\u2019s Day concert?<\/h2>\n
Who has conducted the Vienna New Year\u2019s Day concert throughout its history?<\/h2>\n