The event will showcase Canadian musicians and offer dining and dancing at home to support Music and Beyond’s young people’s initiatives
Ottawa, Friday, February 5, 2021 – Music and Beyond announces that the Viennese WinterBall, an event celebrating Austrian music and culture, will sparkle this year as a virtual gala of music and dance. Hosted by Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and internationally-renowned tenor Ben Heppner, the Ball will take place on Saturday, March 13, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm (EST). It will feature Viennese music performed by some of Canada’s finest musicians and will introduce Austria’s new Ambassador to Canada, Sylvia Meier-Kajbic as Patron of the Ball.
In keeping with its mission to build new audiences for music and the arts, Music and Beyond invites music and dance lovers from everywhere in the world to enjoy the Ball from the comfort of their homes. While tickets for the event—one of Canada’s most elegant cultural galas—have cost hundreds of dollars in previous years, this year’s virtual Ball will be completely free. Performers will include flautist Lara Deutsch, winner of the 2019-2020 Prix Goyer; KimballSykes, principal clarinettist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra; violinist Jonathan Crow, Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; violinist Sara Mastrangelo; David Marks, the associate principal violist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra; cellist Julian Armour; double bassist Paul Mach; pianist Frédéric Lacroix; organist Matthew Larkin on harmonium; and harpist Caroline Léonardelli.
There will be a special dance performance by Alina Safonova and Vadim Safonov of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, the Official Dance Partner of the Viennese Winter Ball. Leading up to the Ball, the Arthur Murray Dance Studio will offer virtual dance lessons with special prices for Ball attendees so couples can learn ballroom dancing at home.
As part of Music and Beyond’s comprehensive Young People’s Strategy, the Viennese Winter Ball will celebrate the importance of music in the lives of all young people. Not only will the Ball create performance opportunities for young Ottawa musicians (stay tuned for details when the full programme is released), but proceeds from the event will benefit Music and Beyond’syoung people’s initiatives including enhanced programming for young people at its Summer Festival, more young people’s concerts, and events such as the Ottawa Family Music Expo.
Funds will be raised through sponsorships, an online auction, and donations. Attendees can order dinner at home from one of the Ball’s partner restaurants, or create their own gourmet dinner. It will be streamed on Music and Beyond’s YouTube channel and on Rogers Television. A parallel Zoom meeting will allow people to join break-out rooms or join virtual tables to chat with other attendees. Guests can enjoy the event as a full evening of cocktails and dinner/wine, dancing, and even formal dress for the special evening. People can send in photos and videos and these will be posted on Music and Beyond’s Zoom meeting, Facebook page, and Instagram page.
“I am delighted that, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we are able to continue the remarkable 25-year tradition of the Viennese Winter Ball,” states Music and Beyond’s Executive Director Julian Armour. “This is shaping up to be a very exciting and fun event! I have always thought the Ball was one of the most glamorous events I have ever been to. It is wonderful that people now have a chance to bring that magic right into their homes.”
Although the Viennese Winter Ball 2021 can be enjoyed for free, attendees are asked to make a donation or participate in an online auction. People can show support for the restaurant industry by purchasing a gift certificate to their favourite restaurant and donating it to the auction. Donors will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the certificates. “We all want to make sure that when this COVID-19 disaster is finally over, the restaurants we love will still be around for us to enjoy,” states Julian Armour.
Music and Beyond would like to thank our Broadcast Partner Rogers TV for providing video crews and first-rate equipment to make all of this possible and the Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa for providing a 9-foot concert grand piano.
Full details can be found at www.musicandbeyond.ca
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