An evening full of splendor: The State Opera celebrates with VIPs and memories!

An evening full of splendor: The State Opera celebrates with VIPs and memories!

The Vienna Opera Ball shines in all its splendor, and the “Waltz King” Johann Strauss is at the center of the action. At this year's opening, State Opera director Bogdan Roščić not only presented an impressive show, but also pure celebrity: among the 5,150 guests were none other than Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP). The president of Why-The-Scientist-of-the-Year, climate researcher Sigrid Stagl, accompanied Van der Bellen in this festive setting. Schallenberg, on the other hand, came unaccompanied, which drew attention to the evening. Those who sat in the boxes were countless stars, including the great tenor Juan Diego Flórez and the soprano Nadine Sierra.

The absence of the late master builder Richard Lugner, who left his mark on the ball for many years, was particularly painful. But his legacy lives on: the controversial street artist and DJ Alec Monopoly sat in his box. The Swarovski family box was also prominently occupied, with Leni Klum, daughter of German top model Heidi Klum, and Flavio Briatore. One can only imagine the shock and necessary respect for the legendary host's absence, especially considering the joys and sorrows that Lugner's own life currently presents.

Political ambitions and family tensions

Richard Lugner himself is active in politics, having collected over 6,000 signatures of support to run for president. His son Alexander has expressed his doubts. “No candidate runs together with his wife,” he added with a certain sarcasm. The Lugners' family interactions are characterized by tensions, as their recent interviews have shown. While Richard Lugner campaigns, Alexander must deal with his father's complicated relationship with the women in their family. “I think that selfies in the bathtub, for example, have no place in public,” emphasized Alexander, revealing a raw picture of the family and its dynamics. This complex entanglement of family drama and public life forms a unique contrast to the festive events of the Opera Ball, which shed a completely different light on society.