The 69th Annual Viennese Opera Ball returns to Cipriani 42nd Street this May 2025, for what promises to be one of the most spectacular evenings in New York’s social calendar. This year’s gala was launched formally at a kick-off cocktail reception hosted by philanthropist, TV host and author Jean Shafiroff at her Park Avenue home with music, laughter, and a whole lot of excitement in the air.
Regarding the upcoming event Jean commented, “I am delighted to host this kick-off party for the 69th Viennese Opera Ball. As co-chair along with Denise Rich for many years, I can say that the Ball will be spectacular, especially as we are excited to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II.”
One of the evening’s special moments was when both Co-Chair Jean Shafiroff and the Viennese Opera Ball were honored with citations from Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Austria and the United States — and Austria’s remarkable legacy of tradition, music, and art. Co-Chair and Past Honoree, Jean Shafiroff and Executive Director, Silvia Frieser, were proud to accept this meaningful recognition on behalf of the Ball. Jean Shafiroff, champion for charitable causes, Gala Chair and important long-time supporter of the Viennese Opera Ball, received an additional citation in recognition of her on-going philanthropic work and extraordinary contributions to the Viennese Opera Ball.
Another distinguished moment of the evening was the performance by acclaimed soprano Johanna Will, also featured in the upcoming Viennese Opera Ball. She captivated guests with two arias: Marietta’s Song from Korngold’s The Dead City and Song to the Moon from Taeuschak’s Rusalka, delivering each with exceptional grace and vocal artistry.
This year’s Ball has particular importance as it honoring the enduring legacy of one of the world’s great musical geniuses. Known as the “Waltz King,”, Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer celebrated for creating iconic works such as The Blue Danube, Tales from the Vienna Woods, and the operetta Die Fledermaus.
The countdown to May 9th and the Annual Ball has now officially begun. The evening promises a night filled with culture, tradition, spectacular waltzes, exquisite gastronomy, breathtaking ballet, extraordinary opera performances, a midnight Quadrille, and other exciting surprises. While enjoying an unforgettable evening, one supports an incredible cause — advancing cancer research through Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.
Notable attendees at the reception included: Jean Shafiroff, Silvia Frieser, Consul General of Austria Mrs. Helene Steinhaeusl, Huber Heiss, Edgar Batista, Liliana Cavendish, Princess Caroline Murat – Caroline Haffner, Luiza Petre, Stephane Ruffier Meray, Gabby Ortega, Rebecca Seawright, Maribel Lieberman, Emily Mohr, Alexandra McCabe, Diana Bocsha, David Hochberg, Nicole Noonan and Steven Knobel, Roy Kean, Cornelia Bregman, Pamela Morgan and Angel Pai.
About the Viennese Opera Ball:
Since 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York has been a representative of Vienna’s cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural platform and builds bridges to connect present day New York City with 19th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents, and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.
About Jean Shafiroff:
Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give”. Jean works extensively as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of 8 charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight to ten different charity galas. She also hosts and underwrites many large parties in her homes for different non-profits. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal welfare. In addition to hosting her own TV show, entitled Successful Philanthropy, Jean Shafiroff often appears on TV shows, podcasts and then in the press about her fashion and philanthropy. She is an international leader who strives to motivate people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the philanthropic process.
Jean Shafiroff serves on the boards of the French Heritage Society, Southampton Hospital Foundation, NYC Mission Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, New York Women’s Foundation, Casita Maria, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. In addition, she is a member of the Advisory Board of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. A Catholic, Jean served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees. Jean Shafiroff has been honored numerous times by a variety of charitable organizations for her work. Jean Shafiroff is among the leading ladies of philanthropy.
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Last modified: April 30, 2025
