Viennese Ball of Geneva

Fourth "Viennese Ball in Geneva" Be part of it!

On Friday, 3 May 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva with members of the Strauss family

Immerse yourself in the elegance and splendour of Viennese culture in a magnificent setting befitting the event: on Friday, 3 May 2024, the fourth "Viennese Ball in Geneva" will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva from 7.00 pm. The evening programme has been carefully planned to offer participants an unforgettable and classic Viennese ball experience. Around 200 international and high-ranking guests from the worlds of diplomacy, politics, business, art, science and research will be attending the Vienna Ball again this year after 2019, 2022 and 2023. The ball is supported by the cities of Geneva and Vienna as well as numerous sponsors and is organised entirely on a voluntary basis.
Secure your all-inclusive ticket HERE and be there:
www. balviennois.ch/en

Vienna is a seat of the UN and therefore very international, and Vienna is a city of music. The tradition of Viennese balls is known worldwide. In many cities such as New York, Brussels or Paris - and now also in Geneva - this annual tradition has been an integral part of social life from an early age. Eduard Strauss, great-great-grandson of Johann Strauss' father, will be among the guests at the ball. The evening programme, which is also designed in the spirit of Strauss, will reflect the heart and voice of Vienna in Geneva through music and dance.
Geneva is a seat of the UN, 60 per cent of the population come from all regions of the world. And Geneva also sees itself as a city of music. The "Friends of Viennese Ball Music" association connects these two wonderful cities in the time-honoured tradition of Austrian music.

The idea - celebrating the culture and tradition of Vienna in the heart of Geneva
Ambassador Marie-Thérèse Pictet-Althann, President of the "Friends of the Viennese Ball music", emphasised that "the Vienna Ball in Geneva should help to connect these two important UN capitals through Geneva's cultural heritage and the Viennese tradition in a spirit of openness and friendship. The Vienna Ball Geneva is not just an event; it is a celebration of the culture, tradition and timeless spirit of Vienna in the heart of Geneva. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening of elegance and splendour - all the more so as I myself come from Vienna and am a Genevan by choice," said Pictet-Althan.
Ball manager Brigitte Lüth explained, "I am particularly pleased that we are able to bring people from so many different walks of life and countries together in a dignified setting for the fourth time with the 'Vienna Ball'. This is particularly important in these challenging times."

Programme of the ball
- The evening begins at 7.00 pm with a reception for the ball guests, accompanied by the WienerKlassikQuartett.
- At 8.00 pm, the official opening ceremony begins with the traditional polonaise of the debutantes, choreographed by Michael Kropf and a vocal performance by PianoConVoce.
- From 9.00 pm it's "Alles Walzer/All waltz" in the ballroom, while guests can fortify themselves with Austrian specialities, at the champagne bar or in the Café Viennois.
- Before the ball reaches its social climax with the traditional Viennese Quadrille at midnight, the European Ballet Sankt Pölten and the young Austrian jazz band Candlelight Ficus offer artistic variety to the dancing pleasure.
- The event ends after the final waltz "Brüderlein Fein" at 01.00 hrs.

Practical information for guests
- Accommodation: For those wishing to stay overnight, the Ritz-Carlton de la Paix, Geneva offers rooms and suites to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
- Transport: Geneva is well connected, allowing easy access to public transport, parking close to the venue and local taxi services for hassle-free arrival and departure.
- Attire: The elegance of the dresses and suits contributes greatly to the magic of a Viennese ball. Guests are invited to dress according to the dress code of a long evening gown for the ladies and a dinner jacket for the gentlemen.

The special Viennese ball culture
Viennese balls are a unique Austrian tradition dating back to the 18th century. Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) opened the gates of the Vienna Hofburg on the occasion of the first ball. Traditional Viennese dances were an occasion to cultivate diplomatic and economic relations at parties. At that time still reserved for the aristocracy and the private sphere of the emperor, today public balls are fortunately accessible to all generations and social classes. Be part of it!