Vienna’s New Year’s Concert in 2025, conducted by maestro Riccardo Muti, marked the 85th edition with a program honoring Johann Strauss II’s bicentennial and featuring the first female composer, Constanze Geiger. This historic event paid tribute to the Strauss dynasty through eight of his compositions, broadcasted across Europe and featuring the Vienna State Opera Ballet, emphasizing a message of harmony and hope for the new year. The concert not only celebrated the King of Waltz’s 200th anniversary but also served as a global beacon of unity and joy under Muti’s masterful direction.
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The EU doesn’t need a deal with Trump
Ursula von der Leyen is meeting Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss trade as tariff deadlines approach, drawing insights from her recent summits with Japan and China. The article argues that the EU should not concede to US pressures, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Trump's negotiations and suggesting that both the US and EU have more to lose than appears. Want More Context? 🔎
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