Imperial Ball 2012

31.12.2012

Vienna, celebrated city of music, takes pride in inviting you to the Imperial Ball in the halls of the Hofburg Palace. Celebrate the beginning of the year 2011 in the state apartments of the ancient imperial winter residence and enjoy classical elegance and Viennese charm according to the motto "Aspects of Love".

Program

7.30 p.m. Admission for dinner guests "BG 1","BG 2"&"BG 3"

According to old Austrian tradition the Grenadiers of the k.k. Infanterieregiment welcome you in the entrance area. Guests are presented with a cocktail to the strains of music. Flanked by the Trabantenleibgarde of His Majesty Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz-Josef pay their respects to the participants at the end of the grand staircase. Well known orchestras invite you to dance and members of the court accompany you through the state chambers, enhanced with thousands of flowers.

8.30 p.m. Gala banquet

Waiters in livery serve a sumptuous four-course dinner including welcoming cocktail, red and white wine and champagne, prepared by Catering' s Best by InterContinental Vienna.

10.00 p.m. Admission for ball guests "BT 1" & "BT 2"

with the traditional ceremony of the Grenadiers of the k.k. Infanterieregiment, the Imperial Couple and a glass of sparkling wine as a welcoming cocktail.

10.30 p.m. Flag parade and waltz performance

with the ballet ensemble of the Imperial Ball

11.45 p.m. K+K New Year's Gala

The climax of the ball is opened with the entry of members of the Imperial Court in the Festival Hall. Salvos and the ringing of the Pummerin, the bell of St. Stephans Cathedral, welcome the New Year. The ballet ensemble of the Imperial Ball dances to the strains of the Blue Danube Waltz and the Imperial Couple presents its New Year's wishes.

According to the Ball the subsequent gala program is performed by singers and dancers from the best known Austrian stages who feature a program of highlights of the Golden and the Silver operetta era. Also in the Kaisergarten and in the Zeremoniensaal the New Year is welcomed and artist ensembles entertain with short dance and music shows.

1.15 a.m. Quadrille under professional guidance to the strains of the "Fledermaus-Quadrille" by Johann Strauß

03.30 a.m. Conclusion