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70th Viennese
Opera Ball Kickoff and
Pre-Holiday Celebration Hosted by
Jean Shafiroff
Philanthropist, TV host, author and
longtime supporter and chairwoman of the
Viennese Opera Ball Jean Shafiroff hosted
and underwrote a reception with over 100
guests at her New York residence to
officially kick off the 70th Annual
Viennese Opera Ball, one of New
York’s oldest and most prestigious
white-tie galas celebrating Austrian
culture, diplomacy, and the enduring
friendship between Austria and the
United States.
The reception honored the Ball’s
significant milestone year and gathered
supporters, cultural leaders, and
patrons of the arts ahead of the
landmark 70th Anniversary Viennese Opera
Ball taking place in 2026. During the
evening, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca
Seawright (representing the NYS
Assembly) awarded Citations to both Jean
Shafiroff and the Viennese Opera Ball
for their exemplary work in
philanthropy.
This special evening included
performances by acclaimed opera stars Elizabeth
Sutphen, Soprano, and Brandon
Cedel, Bass-Baritone, marking the
start of the historic anniversary season
for the organization. In
the spirit of the occasion, guests also
enjoyed Austrian white wine from Domäne
Wachau, one of Austria’s leading
estates with organically farmed
vineyards which was kindly donated by
importer González
Byass USA.
“The Viennese Opera Ball represents
elegance, culture, and the timeless
beauty of the arts,” said Jean
Shafiroff. “It is a privilege to
host this gathering in celebration of
its 70th year as we honor tradition
while supporting the next generation of
artistic excellence. As a past honoree
and chairwoman, I look forward to the
70th Anniversary Gala and am excited to
chair it once again. "
Founded in 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball
is a flagship cultural event in New
York, supporting charitable causes each
year while showcasing classical music,
opera, and Viennese ballroom tradition.
The 70th Anniversary Ball will continue
this legacy in grand fashion when it
returns on Friday, May 8th,
2026.
Notable attendees included: Jean
Shafiroff, Silvia Frieser, Elizabeth
Sutphen, Brandon
Cedel, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca
Seawright, Jay Hershenson,
Ramona Singer, Louise Braver, Jennifer
Santos, Hayley Monek, Emily Mohr, Diana
Bocsha, Devon Birkshire, Paulo Carminati,
Melanie Eimesser, Nicole
Chessin, Isabelle
Harnoncourt, Simona
Petrova, Malan Breton, Ted Vassilev and Stefanie
Eimesser.
About Jean
Shafiroff:
Jean Shafiroff is a
philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host,
writer, and the author of the book "Successful
Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What
You Give". Jean works extensively as
a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the
philanthropic world. She serves on the
boards of 8 charitable organizations and
each year chairs upwards of eight to ten
different charity galas. She also
hosts and underwrites many large
parties in her homes for
different non-profits. Among the many
causes she champions are those involved
in women’s rights, rights of
underserved populations, health care,
and animal welfare. In addition to
hosting her own TV show, entitled
Successful Philanthropy, Jean Shafiroff
often appears on TV shows, podcasts and
then in the press about her fashion and
philanthropy. She is an international
leader who strives to motivate people of
all ages and backgrounds to get involved
in the philanthropic process.
Jean Shafiroff serves on
the boards of the French Heritage
Society, Southampton Hospital
Foundation, NYC Mission Society,
Couture Council of the Museum at FIT,
New York Women's Foundation, Casita
Maria, Global Strays, and Southampton
Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary
Board. In addition, she is a member of
the Advisory Board of the Historical
Society of Palm Beach County. A
Catholic, Jean served on the board of
the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is
one of their honorary trustees. Jean
Shafiroff has been honored numerous
times by a variety of charitable
organizations for her work and is
regarded Jean as being among the leading
ladies of philanthropy.
For more information,
please visit www.jeanshafiroff.com
IG: @JeanShafiroff @JeanShafiroffAtWork
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About the Viennese
Opera Ball:
Since 1955, the Viennese
Opera Ball in New York has been a
representative of Vienna’s cultural
legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big
Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural
platform and builds bridges to connect
present day New York City with 19th
Century Vienna, and people of varying
heritages, continents, and generations,
to bring traditional glamour to the city
that never sleeps.
For more information,
please visit: www.vienneseoperaball.com
IG: vienneseoperaball |
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