New Year's in Viennese Style

Ringing in the new year in Austria means waltzing to Johann Strauss's "The Blue Danube," and each year on January 1, 50 million people in 73 countries tune in to the broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert of traditional waltzes and classical music.

Can't get to Austria that quickly? New York City (and 23 other North American cities) can do you one better this year, with live concerts in various cities through January 4.

Salute to Vienna returns for the 19th year to the Lincoln Center this New Year's Day at 2:30 p.m., featuring the Philly POPS Orchestra as the Strauss Symphony of America, conducted by Hungarian conductor Andras Deak. In addition, there's a new cast of more than 75 musicians, top-notch European singers, and dancers in costume, performing Strauss waltzes, polkas, and excerpts from Die Fledermaus, Merry Widow, and more, including, of course, "The Blue Danube."

Viennese soprano Sera Gosch, fresh from her run at the Vienna Volksoper, and Viennese tenor Michael Heim, will perform alongside members of the exquisite Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine and International Champion Ballroom Dancers.

Tickets ($75-150) are available at LincolnCenter.org, at the Lincoln Center Box Office or by calling (212) 721-6500.