The 67th Vienna Opera Ball will take place on Thursday, marking 200 years since the birth of composer Johann Strauss, with much of the evening’s programme dedicated to the man behind The Blue Danube.

Among the 5,150 guests will be Austria’s political leadership, including President Alexander Van der Bellen and interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg. President Van der Bellen will be accompanied by climate economist Sigrid Stagl, recently named Scientist of the Year. Chancellor Schallenberg, however, will not be bringing an official guest.

The opening performance will feature a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, including soprano Nadine Sierra, tenor Juan Diego Flórez, soprano Maria Nazarova and tenor Daniel Jenz.

Lugner’s Absence and High-Profile Guests

One familiar face missing from this year’s ball will be construction magnate Richard Lugner, who passed away in August aged 91. Despite his absence, the Lugner City box will still have a guest – street artist and DJ Alec Monopoly.

Elsewhere, the Swarovski family’s exclusive box is expected to host high-profile attendees, including Leni Klum, daughter of German supermodel Heidi Klum, and her father, businessman Flavio Briatore.