Dresden before big ball night: Thousands of visitors expected

Dresden is gearing up for the ball night of the year: thousands of guests are expected to attend the Semper Opera Ball today in and in front of the world-famous opera house - including many celebrities. The motto of the dance evening is "Film ab! It will be performed by artists such as cellist Anastasia Kobekina, tenor Jonathan Tetelman and the Sächsische Staatskapelle conducted by Jonathan Darlington. Dick Brave - the rockabilly art figure of pop singer Sasha - will also be playing a concert with his band.

The evening will be hosted by Annika Lau and dance judge Joachim Llambi. The Semper Opera Ball is "an evening where culture, history and the present come together in a very elegant way", explained Lau. The celebrations will not only take place in the opera house, but also in front of it on Theaterplatz. Thousands of onlookers are once again expected to follow the event on screen. The ball will also be broadcast live on MDR television in the evening.