A touch of Hollywood

Great (phil)harmony at the Musikverein

Opera diva Anna Netrebko graced the Philharmoniker's ball on Thursday evening.(Bild: Alexander Tuma)

The 82nd edition of the Vienna Philharmonic Ball once again transformed the Golden Hall into a dance floor, where a glittering ball night was celebrated on Thursday evening - with a comeback, our neo-old chancellor, a solo performance and a touch of Hollywood

On Thursday evening, the time-honored Musikverein in the heart of the capital opened its doors once again and the Philharmoniker invited guests to their traditional ball.

Former chancellor and opera diva as guests
As expected, this year's event - a highlight of the local carnival season every year - once again attracted a who's who of business, politics, society and culture to the Great Hall - "one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world", as was proudly emphasized in advance.

Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer also had his society premiere on the dance floor this year. After taking his political retirement, he appeared in a visibly good mood, with his wife Katharina at his side in a glittering green sequin gown from her favorite couturier Atil Kutoglu.

Anna Netrebko was also a surprise guest - albeit unaccompanied. Although it was not her first Philharmoniker Ball, it was her first as a newly single woman - she separated from her husband Yusif Eyvazov last year. And "American Pie" star Eugene Levy, who is currently filming in Vienna, also took advantage of the occasion and dropped by the Vienna Musikverein.

Great gowns, lots of celebrities
Of course, opera singer Clemens Unterreiner didn't miss out on the Vienna Philharmonic Ball either. And for Maria Großbauer, who wore Olga Laskari that evening, the ball is a family affair anyway - because her dad was a member of the Philharmonic.

Kristina Sprenger looked fantastic in her gown by Thang de Hoo, as did ORF presenter Teresa Vogl, who opted for a custom-made gown by Christian Seibold.

Art patron Birgit Lauda came to the Musikverein with her partner Marcus Sieberer, Desirée Treichl-Stürgkh and her husband, top banker Andreas Treichl, were also looking forward to a glittering night at the ball.

Evening under the sign of the Waltz King
As expected, the evening was all about the Waltz King Johann Strauss, whose 200th birthday is being celebrated this year. Tribute was paid to him at the opening with the waltz "Bei uns z'Haus" and the polka "Vergnügungszug".