'Downton Abbey' star Hugh Bonneville to host New Year's Day celebration from Vienna

Dec. 29—Hugh Bonneville is quickly becoming part of a New Year's Day tradition.

The "Downton Abbey" actor will once again host the "Great Performances — From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2023."

The special will air at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1. It will also stream on the PBS Video app.

"I can't remember how many years I've done this," Bonneville says. "The last two years, we had to do it remotely."

Bonneville enjoys being part of the tradition, which goes back to Walter Cronkite, who hosted the event for 24 years through 2008.

In 2009, Julie Andrews hosted for eight years.

"The tradition is so beloved," he says. "It's just a great celebration. What a better way to get picked up on New Year's Day than spend with your family watching some amazing musicians."

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the annual concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna.

Guest conducted for the third time by Cleveland Orchestra Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, the program features many selections never before played at these traditional concerts including works by Josef Strauss, Joseph Hellmesberger Jr., Johann Strauss Jr. and more.

The broadcast also features performances by Vienna Boys and Girls Choirs and the Vienna State Ballet with choreography by Ashley Page.

Bonneville says Christmas in Vienna is a visual spectacle.

"It's often getting snow and freezing," he says. "The grandeur of the buildings is amazing. And through this special, we celebrate the season within the music."

Bonneville hosting duties remain the top priority.

Yet, he admits that he's a fan of the music chosen by the Vienna Philharmonic.

"This will be the first time I'm hearing some of these pieces," he says. "I instantly become a fan once the performance starts. It's a very impressive line up of music. The acoustics are phenomenal inside the venue. It's so exquisitely constructed and is a very special place."

After a handful of years hosting, Bonneville admits that he's only had one misstep.

"One year, I got a message from a viewer for not wearing a tie," he says. "I assured the viewer that I will wear a tie at every appearance."

Throughout its 50-year history on PBS, "Great Performances" has provided an unparalleled showcase of the best in all genres of the performing arts, serving as America's most prestigious and enduring broadcaster of cultural programming. Showcasing a diverse range of artists from around the world, the series has earned 67 Emmy Awards and six Peabody Awards.

_WebHeadline">EXCERPT: The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the annual concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna.

ON TV

"Great Performances — From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2023." airs at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1.