This year, the Federal President will be accompanied by the Scientist of the Year, climate economist Sigrid Stagl. Schallenberg will not bring an official guest to the ball. Werner Kogler (Greens) has also confirmed his attendance in his role as Minister of Culture, as stated to the APA.

For the opening, the State Opera has once again secured top-class artists with Nadine Sierra, Juan Diego Flórez, Maria Nazarova, and Daniel Jenz. This year, the focus is on the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss. Only a single piece - namely "Bella Enamorada" from "El último romántico" - is not from the pen of the "Waltz King."

There is also Johann Strauss in the ballet: In a dance interpretation "between sky-high jubilation and deathly sorrow," chief choreographer Martin Schläpfer presents his interpretation of the "Emperor Waltz." Among the 20 dancers, students from the in-house ballet school are included for the first time.

Richard Lugner Absent from the Vienna Opera Ball

Even though the question of whether Richard Lugner used the Opera Ball to relentlessly promote himself or whether the Opera Ball only reached its grandeur through the glamorous guests will never be resolved, it is undisputed that the late builder will be missed. In the Lugner City box, street artist and DJ Alec Monopoly is expected this year. A seat will be symbolically kept free for Richard Lugner.

Even without top-tier society, the Opera Ball will not proceed without some glamour. Leni Klum, daughter of German supermodel Heidi Klum, and her father Flavio Briatore are attending the event at the invitation of the Swarovski family.

According to ARBÖ, the Ringstraße will be closed to traffic on Thursday between Johannesgasse and Operngasse from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. During the same period, Kärntner Straße will also be closed between Karlsplatz and Opernring. Public transport will also be affected by restrictions, according to ARBÖ. Tram lines 1, 2, and D will be rerouted from around 6:40 PM until the end of service, tram line 71 and bus line 59A will have shortened routes. Tram line 2A will completely cease operation on February 27th from 6:50 PM. There will also be restrictions on some night bus lines.

Vienna Opera Ball: Broadcast on ORF

ORF will once again ensure the event is broadcast into homes. This year's evening will be hosted by Mirjam Weichselbraun, Teresa Vogl, Andi Knoll, as well as Marion Benda and, for the first time, Silvia Schneider on the Red Carpet. Karl Hohenlohe and Christoph Wagner-Trenkwitz will once again provide the pointed commentary.

Everything about the Vienna Opera Ball

(APA/Red)

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