New Year’s Day Concert/Vienna Philarmonic

Yesterday I wrote of an institution little known in this country, Dinner for One.  

Today I write of a concert known throughout the world, the traditional one of the Vienna Philharmonic on New Years Day, normally held at the Schoenbrunn Palace but this year in their concert hall.

Tickets are gold dust but this year because of Covid there was no audience but still the concert went on.

It reminded me of the Myra Hess concerts at the National Gallery during World War Two which so lifted London’s morale during the Blitz.

The conductor is Riccardo Muti.

I remember when his career started some 50 years ago he was quite a wow with women. Approaching 80 he still has a fine head of hair.

The orchestra choose the music.

Personally I would have preferred more Mozart and less Strauss.

The TV production also shows many shots of Vienna a city of once imperial glory still retained in its fine architecture.

For me this concert broadcast last night at 7pm is a must just as Dinner for One is for any self-respecting German.