On November 8^th, the 63^rd Viennese Opera Ball's president, Silvia Frieser and artistic director, Daniel Serafin hosted a Champagne Reception at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York to celebrate the upcoming ball, which will be held on February 2, 2018. The ball will be held at the newly refurbished Ziegfeld Ballroom under the auspices of the U.S. Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured a performance by soprano Rebecca Gulinello and the unveiling of original artwork by Camillo Stepanek, which will be auctioned off at the ball for charity.

The Viennese Opera Ball is the oldest white tie charity gala in New York. Guests will travel from around the world to attend the prestigious event, and waltz in the grand ballroom. There will also be surprise performances throughout the evening.

Attendees included: Stephan Spazier, Deputy Austrian Trade Commissioner; Helene von Damm, former US Ambassador to Austria; Dr. Christine Moser, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum; Alexander Muhr, CEO of Hallstein Water; and Elisabeth Muhr, Managing Director at ‎Hallstein Artesian Water.

Additional information

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 19^th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.

Notable attendees of the gala have included: Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Archduke Dominik von Habsburg-Lothringen; Archduke Géza von Habsburg; Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO and CO-Founder of FEED Projects; News Anchor Chuck Scarborough; and Actor Stephen Baldwin.

Over 700 guests are expected to attend to watch 16 debutantes make their bow into society, while accompanied by their escorts in white tie. The Ball Committees and Ball Beneficiary will be announced in mid-December. Tickets start at $600 and rise to $25,000 for a Diamond Tier table.