People: The Vienna Opera concert began with hymns

the people The Vienna Opera concert began with hymns

The Vienna Opera's 66th evening concert opened with the Austrian national anthem and the European anthem. The opening program also included a performance by Latvian mezzo-soprano Elena Garanka. The 47-year-old was supposed to sing, among other things, arias from Georges Bizet's opera “Carmen” in front of 5,000 guests in the opera house that has been converted into a ballroom. The highest-ranking guest was the Head of State of Austria, Alexander van der Bellen. Chancellor Karl Nehammer and his wife Katharina also attended the festival, considered the social highlight of the Vienna party season.

The appearance of 91-year-old businessman and socialite Richard “Mortle” Loughner, who brought American actress Priscilla Presley with him to the ball, was once again covered by many media outlets. Presley wore a silver sequin dress. Guests also included popular musician Heino and comedian Oliver Bucher. Italian film star Franco Nero (“Django”) also took a seat in the entrepreneurs' cabin. Male model Babis Loveday has attracted a lot of attention. The 47-year-old Senegalese wore a very eye-catching headdress reminiscent of a jeweled carnival mask.

About 400 police officers provided security around the opera house. Additional fees will again be charged for entrance tickets as well as for food and beverages, which are intended for social purposes. The entrance ticket costs 385 euros, and for the most expensive boxes you have to pay 24,500 euros.

dpa