The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is a classical music concert held each year on January 1st in Vienna, Austria. The concert is broadcast in over 57 countries to audiences of over 1 billion people. Originating during a difficult time in Austria's history, the concert was conceived as a source of hope and optimism for the new year. Today it continues to encourage millions worldwide with its lighthearted yet meaningful music. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra dates back to 1842 and performs the concert in the golden Musikverein hall, decorated with flowers from Italy. It always ends with three encores including the Blue Danube Waltz and Radetzky March, with audience participation.