Last night stars gathered at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel for The Viennese Opera Ball, an annual fundraising gala, in New York City. "The Viennese Opera Ball in New York is an annual charity gala held annually under the auspices of the United States-Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Dignitaries, Diplomats and Debutantes 'Open' the international Ball, long regarded as one of New York City’s 'greatest annual events,' garnering worldwide media coverage for over five decades. There is nothing formulaic about the event; with four generations of guests, the Ball reflects the universal appeal of Austria’s cultural and culinary treasures. The gala evening features Opera, Classical Music and Ballroom Dancing including, of course, Waltzing. One popular highlight is the Midnight Quadrille, conducted by a Viennese choreographer. Following an 8 p.m. champagne reception, the Ball runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and includes a four-course dinner service. The 'Tanz Bar' (post-Ball party) follows from 1:00 to 4:00 a.m. and includes a full buffet supper with the Viennese Opera Ball's Signature Goulash Soup, as well as multiple venues featuring: a Jazz Band, Dance Band, DJ, Vienna Coffee House with Viennese pastries, and Casino. The Ball opens with the Grand March of Dignitaries and Diplomats. The ceremonial tone of the Ball Opening continues with the Presentation and Posting of the Flags by a West Point Color Guard. The Program continues with the Presentation of Debutantes (ages 16 to 25) and their dance Escorts (ages 18–30). A choreographed waltz routine by young ballroom dance couples (ages 18–30) is followed by a call for 'Alles Walzer!' (Everyone Dance!) and guests join the dancers for the first official waltz of the Ball. Peter Duchin and his Orchestra play continuous dance music throughout the Ball, stopping only for Program highlights or performances by the featured Opera singers." [Source] For more information about The Viennese Opera Ball, click here. See more photos of Alyson Cambridge, Sherrill Milnes, Linda Watson, Thomas Robert, Omar Sharif Jr., Amy Shoremount-Obra, Melissa Batalles, and more, after the jump.
"The 57th annual Viennese Opera Ball at the Waldorf Astoria was a fair full of random cast members. Beauty queens, 'Project Runway' and 'Dancing with the Stars' alumni, West Point cadets and a biochemical scientist were all partying with the Austrian-American blue bloods at the anticipated white-tie event. Renate Brauner, vice mayor of Vienna, was the guest of honor. 'To be honest, I don't attend many balls in Austria,' said Ms. Brauner. 'But I've also never been to Brooklyn until this trip.' Perhaps because the cheapest ticket cost about $975, the entertainment portion was very elaborate. Two separate horse-drawn carriages were called to duty, transporting the evening's 'Dueling Divas,' a duo of Metropolitan Opera singers, Cynthia Sieden and Amy Shoremount-Obra. They arrived at the ball in fancy equestrian transportation, giving each other icy stares while their ponies circled the ballroom. They were acting out a diva rivalry as part of the evening's theme, while pretending to compete in a role in Mozart's The Impresario. Even though the script was camp, guests ate it up." [Source] One more photo of the divas after the jump.
