After a two-year Corona break, it’s that time again: In Vienna, glamor and glory are gathering for the Opera Ball. In addition to German celebrities such as FDP leader Christian Lindner and model Barbara Meier, some Hollywood stars such as Jane Fonda are also coming. It already causes a stir in advance.
It is the major social event in Austria: After a two-year Corona break, the Vienna Opera Ball will take place again in the evening. Among the approximately 5,000 guests in the State Opera are once again numerous celebrities from show, culture and politics.
Richard Lugner’s star guest this year is Hollywood actress Jane Fonda. She caused a stir in advance because, according to the “Bild” newspaper, she did not want to get into Lugner’s limousine and preferred to do her own program. “I asked her if she would dance with me. She then said: ‘We’re going to the opera, you can’t dance there,'” the newspaper quoted Lugner as saying. “Until yesterday she didn’t know that it was an opera ball and not an opera.”
At her first joint appearance with her host in Vienna, Fonda confirmed her ignorance of the opera ball on Wednesday. She has now gotten used to the idea, but she would rather not get up to the waltz with the 90-year-old Lugner. “I have an artificial shoulder, two artificial hips, two artificial knees. I’m old and I could fall apart,” said the American, who was once very successful as a fitness queen.
Also present: US actor Chris Noth, known as Mr. Big from “Sex and the City”. He was delighted with the invitation and enthused: “It’s an unexpected honor and I will enjoy every moment of this impressive event.” The 68-year-old has recently been seen little in public. Four actresses accuse him of sexual assault. Noth himself denies this.
Several top politicians are also expected at the Opera Ball, including Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Finance Minister Christian Lindner will take part from Germany.
Entrepreneur Klemens Hallmann and his wife, former “Germany’s next top model” winner Barbara Meier, have also invited prominent guests to their box, including director Thomas Roth, actor Jeff Willbusch and RTL presenter Katja Burkhard.
For the director of the Vienna State Opera, Bogdan Roščić, it is the first opera ball: “Of course I’m particularly looking forward to the opening program,” he told the Austrian media.
As in previous years, the Opera Ball is completely sold out. A normal admission ticket costs 350 euros, stage boxes 13,300 euros, tier boxes even 23,600 euros. The Vienna Opera Ball is also an event of superlatives in other respects: 320 employees are responsible for gastronomy and hospitality, serving over 1200 bottles of sparkling wine and champagne, 900 bottles of wine, 900 bottles of beer, 2500 pairs of sausages and 1300 goulash soups. The State Opera is decorated with 171 flower arrangements and 480 flower arrangements.