In addition to musicians, the Vienna Philharmonic also chooses its own conductors. In the past, the orchestra chose musical directors with whom it entered into annual contracts, some long-term, others short-term. Since the Second World War it has mainly opted for ‘guest conductors’ per production. Also for the New Year’s concert.
Between 1939 and 1986 there are ‘conductor eras’ for the New Year’s concert with Clemens Krauss, Josef Krips, Willy Boskovsky and Lorin Maazel. Since then there has been a different guest conductor every year, some returning regularly. The Argentinian-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim has already done the honors 3 times (2009, 2014 and 2022), the Indian Zubin Mehta has already done the honors 5 times (1990, 1995, 1998, 2007 and 2015).
The Vienna Philharmonic chose the Italian Riccardo Muti for the 85th edition. He has been working with the orchestra for more than 50 years. This will be the seventh time that Muti has led the New Year’s concert. He previously did this in 1990, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2018 and 2021.
The 2021 edition is special. The musicians play for an empty hall, because the public is prohibited due to corona. Before the bishop round, Muti gives a speech that moves viewers. “We have a mission, we want to make society better. Health is important, physically and mentally. Music helps. I therefore call on policymakers around the world to always see culture as one of the most important building blocks for a better society.”
Belgium
