Richard Bratby

There’s no better sonic hangover cure: New Year’s Day Concert reviewed

Plus: a symbol of hope from Longborough Festival Opera car park

The pan-European cheese dream that was the 2021 New Year's Day Concert from Vienna on BBC2 
issue 09 January 2021

The best moment in the Vienna Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s Day Concert comes after the end of the advertised programme. The conductor gives a tiny gesture, the violins start a shimmer of tremolando, and a ripple of applause spreads through the hall. At this point, if you’re watching with first-timers, they’ll look at you, surprised.

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