Viennese Opera Ball With Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren Set for 2/3

The inventive Viennese Opera Ball has some novel elements for 2012:

Mozart’s comic opera “Der Schauspieldirektor” (“The Impresario”) is the theme with“Dueling Divas” from the Metropolitan Opera competing for the role in the “Impresario’s” new production. Soprano Cyndia Sieden stars as “Madame Goldentrill,” a role she once recorded; and Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra stars as “Madame Silverpeal”;

The Ball’s signature Horse and Carriage takes a new direction this year when the two Divas arrive to open the Ball in two separate horse-drawn carriages! Without leaving their respective vehicles, the Divas “duel” and circle as the horses perform a choreographed rotation around the Ballroom.

“Project Runway All-Star” Austin Scarlett is multi-tasking at the 2012 VOB: 1. Austin is Debutante Jill Hetsko’s Escort and together they will be choreographed for the Ball’s Opening performance; 2. Jill will be wearing an original Austin Scarlett couture Deb gown, inspired by Austria’s beloved 19th century Empress Elisabeth; and, 3. Coincidentally, another guest commissioned Austin Scarlett to design the gown that she will wear to the Viennese Opera Ball.

“Dancing with the Stars” pro Maks Chmerkovskiy, who co-hosted the Ball 2 years ago, was so impressed with the venue that he forged an alliance between his Dance with Me Studios (DWM) and the VOB. This time, he is bringing fellow DWTS pros Tony Dovolani and Val Chmerkovskiy with him.

The Viennese Opera Ball, held under the auspices of the US-­Austrian Chamber of Commerce, is one of the great charity galas that has benefitted other worthy nonprofit institutions since 1955. Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Foundation is the Beneficiary.

WHEN: Friday, February 3, 2012

WHERE: The Grand Ballroom
The Waldorf-Astoria
301 Park Avenue, New York, New York