Adelaide Sandvold takes readers into the hallowed halls of the Metropolitan Club of New York, where a scaled-down celebration of “The Golden Age” gala took place, hosted by the venerable Viennese Opera Ball.

Lass Uns Tanzen: The Viennese Opera Ball Hosts “The Golden Age” Gala in NYC

Eve Brookville by Rob Rich Society Allure — Eve Brookville. Photo: Rob Rich of Society Allure

The Metropolitan Club, founded by J.P. Morgan in 1891, boasted an effervescent glow last Thursday, October 21st, 2021 as the Viennese Opera Ball’s Swing Dinner Dance Gala warmed its gilded halls. While fixtures of New York society mingled with European arts patrons, flashbulbs illuminated the main hall. Photographers and guests alike were eager to capture—what was for many—the first black tie event they had attended since the pandemic began.

The venue’s grandeur, while certainly fit for such an event, was quickly obscured by the attendee’s evening wear. From gentlemen in white ties and gloves to grande dames in cascading gowns and expertly tailored (and accessorized!) tuxedos, there was never a dull moment in observing the crowd. As expected, Gala Chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff turned heads in a bejeweled, red ballgown by Malan Breton while Viennese Opera Ball President Silvia Frieser stunned in a sweeping golden sheath.

The joyful air of the evening was further enhanced by the Misha Piatigorsky Trio, whose lively swing music was a fresh alternative to the Ball’s traditional accompaniment. Guests of all ages welcomed the entertainment as some followed the drummer by tapping their fingers against their champagne flutes and others savored the lyrics of old standards under their breath between conversations. Attendees also found themselves intrigued by the silent auction benefitting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. The eclectic mix of items offered varied from vintage clothing, exclusive dinner reservations, and luxe home goods, but as bids were texted in rather than written, the competition remained alluringly mysterious.

It was clear that the Viennese Opera Ball Golden Age Gala provided a welcome entree into gala season for New Yorkers eager to shine publicly again after a difficult year. The evening set a beautiful standard for events to follow as anticipation builds for the 66th annual white tie Viennese Opera Ball later this winter.

Additional guests included the Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider, as well as Hubert Heiss, Cole Rumbough, Yoko Nakamura-Haider, and many more. The proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Viennese Opera Ball is an annual white-tie charity gala celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities and two centuries in one glamorous night. It was founded by Austrians immigrating to the United States 66 years ago and is a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York.

Learn more about the ball, its ambitions, and how to get involved here.