Debutantes take over the 64th annual Viennese Opera Ball
It was a scene from the roaring 1920s and classic New York society this past Friday, February 1st as young debutantes made their societal debut. The classic event was held at Cipriani 42nd street where Jean Shafiroff who is well known in society served as the gala chair for the occasion.
The Ball, which is the oldest white tie charity gala in New York, benefited the music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with support from Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.
This year’s Honorary Ambassador was Somali model, author, actress and social activist Waris Dirie. The Guest of Honor was Italian Bass opera singer Ferruccio Furlanetto.
A series of opera performances then began with Grammy Award-winning American baritone Lucas Meachem singing ‘Largo al factotum’ from Il Barbiere di Siviglia, before Rihab Chaieb performed ‘Mon Coeur S’ouvre À Ta Voix’ from Samson et Dalila. Ferruccio Furlanetto then performed ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ from South Pacific, followed by Nadine Sierra singing Juliette’s aria, ‘Je veux vivre’ from Romeo et Juliette, before Javier Camarena sang ‘Ah! Mes amis!’ from La Fille du Régiment. The group then performed the brindisi, ‘Libiamo’ from La Traviata.
Mr. Serafin then presented Karen Popkin, a music therapist with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who spoke about the work the center does and how all donations can make a difference.
Guests were then guided through the Midnight Quadrille by Roman Svabek and Sandra Stockmeyer, before continuing to dance into the early hours of the morning to music by DJ Olivier Moenner.
