Vienna Philharmonic Welcomes 2025 with a Message of Harmony at New Year's Concert
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Vienna, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Vienna Philharmonic celebrated its time-honored New Year's concert on Wednesday, welcoming 2025 with a profound message of peace, beauty, and harmony.
In a historic first, this year's event featured the work of a female composer, with the premiere of the "Ferdinandus Waltz" by Austrian composer Constanze Geiger at the iconic Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and the enduring spirit of cultural unity.
Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, who conducted the concert for the seventh and final time, underscored the concert's significance in fostering peace.
Before the concert, Muti and Vienna Philharmonic Chairman Daniel Froschauer held a press conference. Muti stated, "We musicians are only a small part of the world, unfortunately. What we can contribute to peace, beauty, and harmony is minimal but vital. We need music more than ever because it is medicine for the soul," as reported by Austrian broadcaster ORF.
Muti also criticized governments for reducing funding for the arts during economic crises, calling this a mistake.
This year’s performance paid homage to Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth, according to Xinhua news agency.
A beloved cultural event, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert continues to enchant audiences globally. This year's concert was broadcast in over 90 countries and regions, as reported by ORF, reinforcing the universal message of peace through music.
