Photos provided by Music and Beyond
Step into the ballroom at the Shaw Centre this Saturday and you might think you’ve been transported back in time to 19th century Europe. The 22nd Annual Viennese Ball, hosted by Music & Beyond, represents a historic Austrian tradition dating back to 1814, when elite ballrooms were open to the wider community. This tradition carries on today, with hundreds of balls being held across Austria and around the world.
This Saturday, this European elegance is brought right to Ottawa for the 22nd year in a row. The ball, sanctioned by the Government of Austria, will have Austrian ambassador and event patron Stephen Pehringer in attendance, as well as musicians and dancers from all over Ottawa. Among these dancers will be the 2019 Cavaliers and Debutantes, 30 young dancers from schools across Ottawa.
Every year, high school students apply to be Cavaliers and Debutantes. Of all the students, just 30 are selected to receive ballroom dance training from sponsor Arthur Murray Dance Studio. At the ball, this group of 16- to 18-year-old dancers will open with the traditional Polonaise waltz. Throughout the night, they will impress guests with various other Viennese dances and their knowledge of Austrian culture.
Michael O’Byrne, the evening’s emcee, will host both live and silent auctions during the course of the night. By bidding in these auctions, you can support the night’s beneficiaries—Orkidstra, Junior Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra, and Music and Beyond Youth Programs)
At the ball, you can expect to be serenaded by performances from OrKidstra, Camerata from Junior Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra, Maria Krstic, and the Canterbury Choir and Jazz Ensemble joined by Juno-award-winning jazz singer Kellylee Evans (her two daughters are debutate and debutante-in-waiting at the ball). Dance the night away to the music of Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra and Stevens & Kennedy Band.
Join Music & Beyond at the 22nd Annual Viennese Winter Ball as they put on an elegant evening of music, dance, food and fun, all in support of youth music programs. It takes place on March 30th, at 6:00pm in the Trillium Ballroom at the Shaw Centre. Book your tickets now by calling (613) 241-0777 ext. 505.
For further information, contact Arlene White, Special Events Coordinator at 613-241-0777 ext. 506, or email specialevents@musicandbeyond.ca
The ball is sponsored by Colliers International, the Austrian Embassy and City of Vienna, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and the generosity of many other corporate sponsors and community partners.