Highlights of the Kaiserball on New Year’s Eve
A night of Austrian waltzing tradition to the soundtrack of the great entertainers awaits at the 41st Kaiserball on 31 December 2010. This year’s event, themed “That’s Entertainment”, promises well-loved melodies from artists including Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams. Also Maya Hakvoort, who played the leading lady in the Austrian musical “Elisabeth”, will perform at midnight.
On 31 December 2010 the HOFBURG Vienna will host the 41st Kaiserball, Vienna‘s most spectacular New Year’s Eve ball event. In line with this year’s theme of “That’s Entertainment”, tunes by great entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Liza Minelli and Robbie Williams will provide the musical backdrop for the evening. The opening ceremony and midnight concert will resound to the rhythms of modern and classic showbiz greats, and this year there will be a spectacular stage show with soloists and ballet dancers from leading Austrian companies.
“Acclaimed musical actress Maya Hakvoort, who played the leading lady in the Austrian hit musical “Elisabeth”, will be among the performers in a star-studded line-up. She will sing “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, and other well-known songs in the Festsaal hall after midnight,” reveals HOFBURG Vienna Managing Director Renate Danler. The roll call also includes international opera star Kip Wilborn, Eugene Amesmann, and Gabriele Kridl. The Vienna Volksoper children’s choir will give a rendition of Michael Jackson`s hit song “Heal the World” alongside musical star Ramin Dustdar during the opening ceremony.
Austrian ball tradition also has a major part to play. The Colloredo Grenadiers will welcome guests at the entrance in line with traditional military ceremonial, the Elmayer dance school debutants committee will open with the traditional Fan Polonaise. The imperial couple Franz Joseph and Sisi will wish guests “Prosit Neujahr” (Happy New Year), while the dulcet tones of the Blue Danube waltz will provide a swinging start to the New Year. And ballgoers can also dance the night away until 3.30 am, with a particular highlight coming at 1.15 am when the floor is opened for a quadrille. This traditional dance will be moderated by Manfred Zehender, one of the dancers from the popular television show Dancing Stars.
Young people and the young at heart can dance to the disco sounds on offer at the “Tanzpalast bei Hof” and music from the eight live bands which move between the larger ball rooms. Culinary treats come courtesy of Catering’s Best by InterContinental. Guests can choose between a four-course gala dinner or sumptuous buffet. Cocktails are served in specially commissioned Kaiserball champagne flutes which visitors are free to take home as a memento of their evening.
