Today, after a three-year break, the Opernredoute is lighting up the Haus am Ring again: a festival full of baroque opulence, glamor and fun. In the evening, numerous illustrious guests were already milling about on the festival stairs.
The Opera Redoubt has “only” existed since 1999, the opera house itself since 1899, and yet “Baroque the Opera” seems to be a perfect motto for the big comeback night: In front of the opera, a golden carriage with pink horses greeted the guests inside 10,000 flowers in red and peach colors complement the golden ornaments. 2,500 guests came in tailcoats, tuxedos and long evening gowns: opulent, over-the-top, shimmering – a celebration like from another time. The motto was an idea from neo-director and host Ulrich Lenz, who enjoyed the ball accompanied by Arantxa Armentia . “The view of the opera house changes because of this event, because of all the jewelry and flowers, you perceive it differently. The entire opera team has sparkling eyes.”At the opening and the midnight show – to the music of Henry Purcell, Jean-Baptiste Lully and Falco – the focus is on dancers and singers. “Of course it’s a lot of effort for a relatively short performance, but everyone is happy to be there,” says Lenz. “I can’t make it into every box,” Bernd Pürcher, who has been organizing the Redoute for decades and who can now cope with a three-year break had to, beamed. “It’s fantastic.” As an organizer, can you relax sometimes? “That’s not what this night is for. A few weekends later I’ll relax in the thermal region.” There’s still time for a drink. “My husband and my in-laws are here. I like to toast with my team, with Ulrich Lenz, with the artists and guests – but I can’t manage to drink to every invited glass in every box.”Challenging and varied polonaiseThe polonaise by choreographers Patricia Stieder-Zebedin and Wolfgang begins shortly after 9 p.m Nicoletti with the 48 couples – one of them same-sex – of the opening committee. Martin Ruby (30) and Elisabeth Murgg (25) from Graz are also there. “We opened the Opera Ball together in 2018, so the Opera Redoute couldn’t be missing,” says the debutant couple. They met at dance school in 2013, and then in 2015 things clicked. What do the two professionals say about this year’s polonaise? “It’s complex and varied, beautiful and demanding to dance.” It’s not just the right steps that are important, but also the charisma: “We don’t walk, we walk.” But there’s also a lot of fun, because you learn a lot of new ones To know people. “The solidarity is something very special.”Celebrities from politics, society and businessAmong the guests from society, politics and business are Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP) and Iris Drexler – even in a matching outfit. “The dress is from Sfinks, and with the leftover fabric we had the idea of making a bow tie and a pocket square,” Drexler said. However, the couple does not want to comment on the subject of dancing. “We are better at fashion.” Click through the picture gallery: Karlheinz Kornhäusl and his wife Elisabeth are completely different. “I opened the ball three times myself. We will definitely dance!” Opera ball legend and construction master Richard Lugner came from Vienna at the invitation of “Mr. Ferrari” Heribert Kasper. “I even turned down an invitation to a big ball in Berlin,” says the 91-year-old. “For me, the Opera Redoute is the most exclusive feel-good ball I know. It’s just more relaxed here in Graz than at other balls, and there aren’t as many constraints.” Clemens Trischler brought astrologer Gerda Rogers with him to her first redoubt. “After midnight I might dance,” Rogers said. Alfons Haider is also in a good mood with musical star Anna Rosa Döller and with John Harris boss Ernst Minar. The two “dancing stars” Caroline Athanasiadis and Corinna Kamper, who both came to the ball, can afford a dancing competition on the floor. “Krone Editor-in-chief Klaus Herrmann came with his wife Karin, bank manager Heinz Schaller with Claudia and RLB boss Martin Schaller with Gabriele. “The Opera Redoubt is also noticed beyond national borders,” says Herrmann. Of course, Krönchen designer Eva Poleschinski was there with jeweler Klaus Weikhard. The opera is now partying until 5 a.m.!
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