Viennese Opera Ball in New York

rdf:langString Viennese Opera Ball in New York

rdf:langString The Viennese Opera Ball is an annual charity gala held annually under the auspices of the United States-Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Ball is organized by Board of Directors, under President Silvia Frieser and Artistic Director Daniel Serafin. Dignitaries, Diplomats and Debutantes “Open” the international Ball, long regarded as one of New York City’s “greatest annual events,” garnering worldwide media coverage for over five decades. The gala features Opera, Classical Music and Ballroom Dancing including, of course, Waltzing. One popular highlight is the Midnight Quadrille, conducted by a Viennese choreographer. Following an 8 p.m. champagne reception, the Ball runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and includes a four-course dinner service. The “Tanz Bar” (post-Ball party) follows from 1:00 to 4:00 a.m. and includes a full buffet supper with the Viennese Opera Ball's Signature Goulash Soup, as well as multiple venues featuring: live dance music, a DJ and a Vienna Coffee House with Viennese pastries. The Ball opens with the Grand March of Dignitaries and Diplomats. The ceremonial tone of the Ball Opening continues with the Presentation and Posting of the Flags by a West Point Color Guard. The Program continues with the Presentation of Debutantes (ages 16 to 26) and their dance Escorts (ages 18–28). A choreographed waltz routine by young ballroom dance couples is followed by a call for "Alles Walzer!" (Everyone Dance!) and guests join the dancers for the first official waltz of the Ball. A Viennese Orchestra plays continuous dance music throughout the Ball, stopping only for Program highlights or performances by the featured Opera singers.