68th Viennese Opera Ball Takes Over The Plaza Hotel

Jean Shafiroff, wearing a Malan Breton cream ball gown – all photos by Lieba Nesis

The 68th Viennese Opera Ball, held under the auspices of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, took place Friday, May 10th, 2024, at The Plaza New York, with cocktails beginning at 8 PM. The history of the Viennese waltz is mired in controversy. It was first danced in Germany and Austria in the 13th century, but it gained steam during the 17th century and became de rigueur in the ballrooms of the Habsburg court.  

Philanthropists Brandon Pena and Jordan Ross

Initially met with controversy, with threats of death leveled at waltzers due to religious leaders labeling it vulgar and sinful due to the close-hold stance and fast-turning movements, it later gained popularity as established musicians such as Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss became fans, ultimately leading to its dominance in the upper echelons. 

Patrick McMullan and Petra Schneebauer

This highly anticipated and exclusive evening in 2024 was a grand tribute to the opulent history of dance. With tickets priced at a reasonable $1,350 and $750 for those under 40, the event was a sell-out weeks in advance.

Janna Bullock, R. Couri Hay

The evening’s event included a reception, opening waltz, 4-course dinner, multiple opera performances, a midnight quadrille, an Austrian post-midnight buffet, a DJ until 2 AM, and an after party at DOM nightclub.  

Liliana Cavendish, Denise Rich, Peter Cervinka

With magnanimous chairs Denise Rich and Jean Shafiroff, President Silvia Frieser, and honoree and board member Sabine Riglos at its helm, who could expect anything less? Social photographer Patrick McMullan was dapper as he snapped away at his good friend Jean Shafiroff, who was startling in a Malan Breton cream ball gown containing a lengthy train and detailed gatherings along its silhouette.  

Andrea Catsimatidis, Prince Mario Max, Lucia Hwong Gordon

This evening was a profound celebration of the Austrian-American alliance, highlighting Vienna’s status as the world capital of music and dance. With more than 35 Viennese Balls held a year, Vienna, a country that boasts Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart as former inhabitants, has become an epicenter for aficionados of dance. Thousands flock to its halls for the more than 450 balls occurring between November and February, a period known as Vienna’s fifth season. 

The debutantes

While most Vienna Balls in Austria begin between 9 and 10 PM and conclude at 5 AM in the morning, this New York one ran from the more practical 8 PM to 2 AM time slot. The opening ceremony included a presentation of colors by Midshipmen from the US Naval Academy, who presented the debutantes and their escorts led by Sandra Stockmayer.

Artistic Director Daniel Serafin

The moment’s drama was undeniable as the heavily choreographed dancers took the stage under the Artistic Direction of Daniel Serafin.’

Mike and Christine Kaufmann, Jane Scher and Marsin Mogielski

The theme of the evening, whose dress code was white tie and ball gowns, was Aida, named after Verdi’s masterpiece opera. Met opera stars Leah Crocetto, Lucas Meachem and Limmie Pulliam joined rising talents Johanna Will and Christian Pursell along with the Viennese Opera Ball orchestra conducted by Maestro Vinicius Kattah for one of those magical evenings that can’t easily be reproduced. 

Nikki Haskell and Elizabeth Segerstrom

All proceeds from this noble event benefited the music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with generous support from Denise Rich’s Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation.  Started in 1998, Gabrielle’s Foundation has raised $43 million in research grants to fund treatments, preventions, and cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers-the unfortunate disease Denise Rich’s daughter Gabrielle succumbed to in 1996. 

Rebecca Seawright and Louise Braver 

Having been attending this event for nearly a decade, this year was my favorite as there was a palpable excitement in the air; the extraordinary venue, the great performances, the exquisite ball dances, and the jubilant crowd were perfect. 

The lavish four-course meal, which included burrata, sweet pea risotto, filet mignon or flounder, two desserts, and a late-night Viennese station, along with a bar serving up made-to-order drinks such as espresso martinis, whiskey sours, and vodka tonics throughout the evening, added to the opulence of the night.  

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