ORevery first of January the lights of the very prestigious Musikverein in Vienna illuminate the beginning of the new year with the famous New Year’s Concertnow considered a real ritual with timeless melodies. This year, however, in the tradition that has lasted for 85 years now marks a historical novelty. Who goes by the name of Constanze Geiger.
Constanze Geiger opens the Vienna New Year’s Concert: the first time by a female composer
For the first time, in fact, an opera composed by a woman will open the prestigious musical program. Under the direction of Maestro Riccardo Muti, the “Waltz Ferdinandus” by Constanze Geiger (1835-1890) will represent not only a programmatic novelty, but also a significant recognition of the female contribution to the Viennese musical tradition.
A precocious female talent rediscovered
Constanze Geiger’s story is particularly notable. The waltz that will open the concert was composed when the artist was just twelve years olddemonstrating extraordinary musical talent. A contemporary of Johann Strauss, Geiger represents one of the forgotten female voices of the rich Viennese musical tradition of the 19th century. Her inclusion in the 2025 program brings to light not only her work, but also the broader question of female presence in the history of classical music.
Also this year Maestro Riccardo Muti will conduct the Viennese New Year’s Concert. But with something new (Photo credit should read HANS PUNZ/AFP via Getty Images)
The artistic choice of Maestro Riccardo Muti
The Maestro Riccardo Mutiwho will conduct the concert for the seventh time, placed particular emphasis on the artistic value of the choice. During the presentation press conference in Vienna, he repeatedly emphasized that the selection of “Waltz Ferdinandus” was based solely on its musical quality. Muti described the piece as “very beautiful” and with “great personality”, highlighting how the selection criterion was purely artistic, beyond any consideration of genre.
Vienna New Year’s Concert: between tradition and innovation
The 2025 Vienna New Year’s Concert presents itself as a balanced combination of innovation and tradition. In addition to the historic opening with Geiger’s waltz, the program will celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Johann Strauss fils with eight of his compositions. There will be no shortage of songs by the brothers Josef and Eduard Strauss, keeping the tradition of the Strauss dynasty alive. As always, the “Danube Waltz” will be performed as an encorerespecting one of the most beloved traditions of the concert.
A broader meaning
Although the Master Muti insisted on musical quality as the sole selection criterionfor Austrian media and observers, the inclusion of Geiger’s Waltz inevitably takes on a broader meaning. After 84 years of exclusively male programsin fact, this opening is interpreted as a significant step by the world of classical music towards greater inclusivenesshighlighting how this choice must be included among those of a historical nature.
An important message
The concert, in fact, which will be broadcast live on television in almost 100 countries from the famous Golden Hall of the Musikverein, will bring this historic moment into the homes of millions of viewers around the world, also sending a powerful message: the need to rediscover and enhance female contributions to the history of music. The Vienna New Year’s Concert 2025, therefore, with its historic opening, will add a significant new chapter to the history of classical music, demonstrating how thehe tradition can evolve while keeping its artistic and cultural essence intact.
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