In the very heart of Madrid, on the famous Gran Vía, an event set to be one of the highlights of the winter will take place in January 2026. The Gran Vía Theater will ring in the New Year with music typically heard only in Vienna itself. On stage, the Johann Strauss Ensemble—closely associated with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra—will offer locals and visitors the authentic atmosphere of an Austrian celebration.
This time, Madrid audiences will enjoy not only classic waltzes and polkas, but also a unique sound: the ensemble’s concertmaster, Kirill Maksimov, will perform on a rare Stradivarius violin crafted in 1716. This instrument, known as the “ex Baron Oppenheim,” seldom leaves Austria, making its appearance in Spain an event in itself.
A musical tradition without borders
The festive program, lasting about an hour and a half, features the most iconic works of the Strauss dynasty. Each year, millions around the world watch the Vienna concert, but now Madrileños have the chance to experience its magic live, right in their city. Organizers promise that the stage design and selection of pieces will transport the audience straight to the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, the traditional venue for the famous New Year’s performance.
Special attention has been given to the arrangements: they preserve the airy elegance typical of Viennese music while sounding fresh and contemporary. For many, this will be a great opportunity to discover not only the classics but also new facets of familiar melodies.
Tickets and festive atmosphere
The concert will take place on January 4th, while the city is still basking in the glow of the Christmas celebrations. Tickets are already on sale, starting at €74.55. The venue — the theater at Gran Vía, 66 — was not chosen by chance: right here, in the very heart of the capital, you can best feel the festive mood and the vibrant pulse of the big city.
For those who decide to stay in Madrid after the New Year holidays, it’s a wonderful chance to start the year with inspiration and joy. This concert is suitable for the whole family: both children and adults can immerse themselves together in an atmosphere of beauty, optimism, and musical excellence. It’s not every day in Spain that you can hear live performances of ‘The Blue Danube’ or ‘The Radetzky March’ by musicians of world-class caliber.
A treat for connoisseurs and newcomers alike
The arrival of the Viennese tradition in Madrid is not just a cultural event, but a real gift for everyone who appreciates music and enjoys discovering something new. Even if you’re not a classical music fan, this concert will surprise and captivate you. Light-filled, energetic waltzes and polkas will create a mood that will stay with you long after the night ends.
Madrid will welcome 2026 with the sound of a Stradivarius violin and Strauss’s greatest masterpieces. Such an opportunity is rare—don’t miss your chance to be part of this musical celebration.
