The Viennese Opera Ball is one of the most anticipated events of the Manhattan fall gala season, as this prestigious event is attended by International diplomats, dignitaries, Sovereign Military Orders and those of high society. This year the Swing Dinner Dance Gala, “The Golden Age” black-tie event was hosted at The Metropolitan Club on 5th Avenue. First guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and libations in the variegated marble great room with a hanging Venetian lantern before moving into the west lounge ballroom known for its high ceilings, spectacular American-Renaissance murals, gilded gold and panels. Misha Piatigorsky Trio, with Misha Piatigorsky on piano, Benny Benack III singing and playing trumpet, Sergei Avanesov on Saxophone, and Singer Kennedy played as guests viewed silent auction items generously donated by supporters of The Gala. With men in black-tie, and many ladies in gala dresses it was a sight to be seen. The iconic club was designed by the celebrated architect Stanford White during the height of the American-Renaissance and is known for its grandeur, design and terrace with spectacular views of Central Park, what a perfect location for the Viennese Opera Ball.
Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, and Denise Rich hosted as Gala Chairs for the non-profit that benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Each year, the Opera Ball supports charitable organizations and projects in New York or Vienna. The Honorary Gala Chairs were Governor & Mayor of Vienna The Honorable Michael Ludwig, Consul General of Austria in New York, The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, and the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider. The Gala which was founded as an annual white-tie charity gala 66 years ago, had the support from the city of Vienna. It was created to connect the two countries to continuously build economic relationships.
Notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair Hubert Heiss, Yoko Nakamura-Haider, Martin Shafiroff, Malan Breton, Scott Stone, Ana Stone, Eve Brookville, Sabine Riglos, Victoria Whipple, Paula Mahoney, Nelli Hantman, Imke Gerdes, Barbara Wennerholm, David Hochberg, Pamela O’Connor, Sonia Nassery Cole, Michele Herbert, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Sessa Von Richthofen, Richard Johnson.
Viennese Opera Ball – A celebration of culture connecting Austria and America in one glamorous night
