Music Director John Gibbons is delighted to announce the return of the WSO’s most popular concert of the season – the annual New Year’s Eve celebration – on Sunday January 2 at Assembly Hall, Worthing.

John said: “The Viennese concert of 2019 was the penultimate concert WSO played before the lockdown. It was a wonderful occasion, as always, and a packed house with no seats available. In the midst of all this cheerful music, we didn’t know then what was going on around the corner, nor that it would be a full two years before we could come back and play all those traditional Viennese favorites that Worthing audiences have come to. to like.”

The upcoming concert features immortal New Year’s classics from the Strauss family and their contemporaries, including the Blue Danube Waltz, Radetsky’s March, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Lanner’s New Year’s Gallop, and Waltz. gold and silver from Lehar.

John also adds a few less familiar elements to the repertoire to keep things fresh, including Von Suppé’s Isabella Overture and Weighberger’s bubbly Polka Schwander (the bagpipe) with a cheeky nod to one of the best symphonists of Vienna – Anton Bruckner – by means of his Pilsner Tanz.

“What all of these pieces have in common is that they are all uplifting and bristling with energy and life, to create a festive concert to kick-start, clap hands and dispel all thoughts of winter chill and gloomy Covid. “

The concert starts at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday January 2, 2022, and tickets are on sale online at wtam.uk or call the box office on 01903 206206.