The night sparkled with exquisite and bold richness as only the legendary Viennese Opera Ball could do.
For 68 years, the grand Viennese Opera Ball has been a part of a rich New York City history that serves the purpose of luxurious joy as much a distinct moment that helps raise funds for some of the most important causes in the community.
This year, the beloved white glove charity gala benefited the music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with support from Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 10: Claudia Bastl and Tobias Krause attend The 68th Viennese Opera Ball, A Night Inspired By ‘Aida’ at The Plaza on May 10, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Claudia Bastl;Tobias Krause
Taking place on May 10 at The Plaza Hotel, under the gracious patronage of the president of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Alexander Van der Bellen, the night was inspired by “Aida” with music by the Viennese Opera Ball Orchestra and conducted by Maestro Vinicius Kattah. Opening choreography was by Sandra Stockmayer with a showcase from the Dancing School Svabek of Vienna.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 10: Daniel Serafin attends The 68th Viennese Opera Ball, A Night Inspired By ‘Aida’ at The Plaza on May 10, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC)
The time-honored soiree this year honored Board Member, Sabine Riglos. Guests of Honor and opera stars included Leah Crocetto, Grammy Award Winner Lucas Meachem, Grammy Award Winner Limmie Pullia, Christian Pursell, and Johanna Will.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 10: Denise Rich and Jean Shafiroff attend The 68th Viennese Opera Ball, A Night Inspired By ‘Aida’ at The Plaza on May 10, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC)
Chairs for the night wer Denise Rich and Jean Shafiroff. Philanthropists to fashion trend setters were guests. Amongst the well-healed guests spotted were Candace Bushnell, Maribel Lieberman, Elton Ilirjani and Prince Mario-Max Schauburg Lippe, and Andrea Catsimatidis.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 10: Candace Bushnell attends The 68th Viennese Opera Ball, A Night Inspired By ‘Aida’ at The Plaza on May 10, 2024 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC)
The annual charity gala honors Austria and America’s cultural and economic ties, uniting two continents, two cities, and two centuries in one glamorous evening. It was founded 68 years ago by Austrian immigrants to the United States as a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York. The gala attracts an international audience that includes diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals.
Since 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York has been a representative of Vienna’s cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural platform and builds bridges to connect present day New York City with 19th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents, and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.
For more information, please visit: vienneseoperaball.com
Photos Courtesy VOB Patrick McMullan/ PMC