From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2026

Premieres January 1 at 8/7c on PBS, streaming January 2 on pbs.org and the PBS App.

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in this beloved annual concert. “Downton Abbey” and “Paddington” star Hugh Bonneville returns as host, visiting scenic locations throughout Vienna that relate to the orchestra’s concert program. Featuring performances by the Vienna State Ballet, Great Performances – From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2026 premieres Thursday, January 1 at 8/7c on PBS and streams January 2 on pbs.org and the PBS App. The program will also encore at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Musical Selections:

• Franz von Suppè – Overture to “The Beautiful Galatea”
• Josephine Weinlich – “Siren Songs” Polka
• Josef Strauss – “Woman’s Dignity” Waltz
• Johann Strauss II – Diplomats’ Polka
• Florence Price – Rainbow Waltz
• Hans Christian Lumbye – Copenhagen Stream Railway Galop
• Johann Strauss II – “Roses from the South” Waltz
• Johann Strauss II – Egyptian March
• Josef Strauss – “Palms of Peace” Waltz
• Philipp Fahrbach – “Circus” Quick Polka
• Johann Strauss II – “The Beautiful Blue Danube” Waltz
• Johann Strauss Sr. – Radetzky March

Locations:

From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2026 will feature various locations including The MAK Museum Vienna (Museum of Applied Arts), the House of Music, the Imperial Treasury, and the Hofburg Palace.

Notable Talent:

• Hugh Bonneville – host, actor, “Masterpiece: Downton Abbey,” “Downton Abbey” and “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”
• Yannick Nézet-Séguin – Five-time Grammy Award winner and Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera

Noteworthy Facts:

• This is Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first time conducting the New Year’s Day concert following his time leading the orchestra for the 2023 Summer Night Concert
• This is Hugh Bonneville’s ninth consecutive year acting as host for the New Year’s Concert.