Opera Ball Raises 140,000 Euros for Children in Leipzig

Outside, cold and wet fall weather; inside, Mediterranean joie de vivre: On Saturday evening, the Leipzig Opera Ball, themed “Kalispéra, Thessaloniki!” (“Good evening, Thessaloniki!”) and also served as a charity event. The approximately 2,000 guests not only celebrated a glamorous night at the ball but also donated money to those in need. A total of 140,000 euros was raised for the “Leipzig Helps Children” foundation, the organizers announced.

Greek guests of honor at the ball

With this year’s theme, the opera house honored the 42-year-long city partnership with the Greek metropolis of Thessaloniki. Among the guests of honor were Greek Ambassador Alexandros Papaioannou and Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis. The Saxon government was represented by Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD), Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch, and Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow (both CDU). 

Since 2008, the ball has been dedicated each year to a different partner country.

Musical Diversity on Seven Stages

Musical diversity—ranging from opera to soul—was on display across seven stages in the festively decorated Opera House. Host Malte Arkona guided the audience through the program, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra performed under the direction of Christoph-Mathias Mueller. Next year, the ball is scheduled to take place on October 16—and the focus will be on the 32nd edition of the spectacle.