VIENNA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Vienna Philharmonic held its prestigious annual New Year's Concert on Thursday at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, highlighting the music not only of the Strauss family but also of their contemporaries.
Five of the 15 pieces performed were included in the New Year's Concert repertoire for the first time, including two works by female composers: Siren Songs by Josephine Weinlich, a Vienna-born composer, and Rainbow Waltz by African-American pianist and composer Florence Price.
Music by the Strauss family accounted for more than half of the program, featuring well-known works such as Indigo and the Forty Thieves, Roses from the South and Egyptian March.
This year's concert was conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin, a new face on the New Year's Concert podium, known for his unconventional style, dynamic leadership and innovative contributions to classical music.
The Canadian conductor has collaborated with the Vienna Philharmonic since 2010 and previously led the Vienna Summer Night Concert in 2023.
A cherished cultural tradition, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert continued to captivate audiences worldwide. According to Austrian broadcaster ORF, the 2026 New Year's Concert was broadcast in more than 90 countries and regions. ■