The brilliant, high-octane conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the reins for the 86th edition of classical music’s glitziest New Year celebration: the Vienna New Year’s Concert, recorded live at the Austrian capital’s equally sparkling Musikverein. This year’s program falls in line with tradition, offering a feast of 19th-century Austrian light music. Waltzes and polkas join quadrilles, galops, and marches by the Strauss family, Franz von Suppé, Joseph Lanner, and a good deal more. There are debut New Year appearances from 20th-century African-American composer Florence Price, and Josephine Weinlich, the 19th-century founder and conductor of Europe’s first women orchestra. With its musical nods to international harmony and peace, this year’s concert, performed with zest and zeal by the great Vienna Philharmonic, is sure to welcome 2026 in radiant style. “It’s my great pleasure and honor to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic for the New Year’s Concert,” Nézet-Séguin tells us in the album’s exclusive commentary track. “I hope that you enjoy this program as much as I had a great time programming it!”