The Ball Program

Opening

Verena Tranker

The Austrian soprano Verena Tranker is praised by the specialist press for her sparkling coloratura, virtuoso high notes, her playful expression and her impressive stage presence. She made a highly successful debut alongside Jonas Kaufmann at the Tiroler Festspiele Erl, most recently broadcast live on ORF III. Still at the beginning of her career, she has already appeared at renowned venues such as the Theater an der Wien, Wiener Konzerthaus, Musikverein Wien, Johann Strauss 2025 Wien, Carinthischer Sommer, Varna Summer Festival, Festival for Symphonic Music El Jem and the Lehár Festival. Most recently she delighted press and audience alike as Christel in “Der Vogelhändler” at the Bühne Baden. In the 2026/27 season she can be seen at the Staatstheater Cottbus in the title role of Gisela in “Messeschlager Gisela”, among others, and makes her debut at the Vienna State Opera/NEST in “Die kleine Hexe”, likewise in the title role. She is a multiple prizewinner of the Int. MUT Competition 2024 (Gärtnerplatztheater München & Johann Strauss 2025 Wien), first Musica Juventutis prizewinner of the Wiener Konzerthaus 2024, Ambassador of Music 2025 and a finalist of Elīna Garanča’s “Zukunftsstimmen”. She received her training at the MDW Vienna, RCM London and MUK Vienna.

Opening

Michael C. Havlicek

Michael C. Havlicek was born in Vienna, studied with Prof. Gerhard Kahry, graduated as Don Giovanni and is now mentored artistically by Prof. David Jones. In April 2011 he made his debut at the Vienna Volksoper as Gustl in “Das Land des Lächelns”; in September 2011 he sang his first Papageno there. He remained a permanent ensemble member until 2024. Guest performances with the Vienna Volksoper took him to Tokyo and Savonlinna. In 2014 he made his debut at the Opéra Bastille in Paris in “Die Zauberflöte” under the direction of Philippe Jordan. Alongside his stage work he has excelled on the concert platform in Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”, in “Ein Deutsches Requiem” by Johannes Brahms and as Adam in Haydn’s “The Creation”. As a lieder singer he has appeared at festivals in France, Sweden and Germany. In April 2019 he came to the Badische Staatstheater Karlsruhe for the first time as Papageno; in the summer of 2019 his debut as Falke in “Die Fledermaus” followed, and in 2021 his debut as Don Fernando in “Fidelio” at the Lech Classic Festival. In 2022 he sang Porgy there in a concert version of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”. At the Musiktheater Linz he sang the role of “Fritz Kothner” in the anniversary production of “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” under the direction of Markus Poschner. In 2026 he sings at the Bregenzer Festspiele in “La Traviata” and then makes his debut as the Herald in Richard Wagner’s “Lohengrin” in Piacenza. In 2027 he returns to Bregenz for the production of “La Traviata” and sings Papageno in “Die Zauberflöte” at the Opéra d’Avignon in the autumn of 2027.

Midnight show

ABBA 99

The countless hits of the legendary Swedish cult band ABBA are known to everyone. With songs such as “Waterloo”, “Chiquitita”, “Dancing Queen” and “SOS”, Agnetha, Annifrid, Benny and Björn conquered the charts worldwide. Numerous awards and dozens of gold and platinum records made ABBA’s career complete. In 1982, 45 years ago, the group disbanded and left millions of fans behind! The revival band ABBA 99 have made it their mission to bring the unforgettable 1970s and those wonderful timeless ABBA hits back to the stage live. Platform shoes, flared trousers and glitter outfits are absolutely “in” again. They express the carefree spirit of that decade. ABBA 99 bring the unique era of glam and glitter back to life. With their compelling stage show and original outfits, they convey the light-heartedness and joie de vivre of those years. You can see how much the band enjoy performing, and you can feel their delight in playing on stage: with musical perfection and infectious energy, ABBA 99 perform the wonderful ABBA songs live. The audience is swept along by this enthusiasm – the spark catches immediately. Joining in, singing along and dancing along is the order of the day! ABBA 99 have taken to the stage countless times – at open airs, town festivals and marquee events, at home and abroad. They have won over audiences at major concerts, played high-caliber gala performances and appeared as guests on many television shows such as “Gottschalk” and “Goldene Schlagerparade”. The critics agree: “ABBA 99 – highly entertaining!”

Carl Michael Ziehrer Orchestra

The Carl Michael Ziehrer Orchestra was founded in 2009 and is one of the most renowned dance orchestras in Vienna. The program is carefully selected and tailored flexibly to each occasion and audience. The orchestra guarantees stylistically appropriate musical accompaniment, with particular emphasis placed on the interpretation of Viennese dance music. With its refreshing style of music-making, the Carl Michael Ziehrer Orchestra is an asset to any successful ball night. Its repertoire offers dance numbers for young and old alike: classic Viennese waltzes, polkas, tangos, quadrilles and evergreens.

Pepe Allstar Band

Your ballroom is our arena – under this motto the musicians of the Pepe Allstar Band, led by Josef “Pepe” Schütz, combine the tradition of dance with contemporary ball culture and have thus become one of Austria’s most renowned ensembles. Unmistakable big band sound and renowned musicians distinguish this orchestra. Whether as a large dance orchestra or a smaller formation, the Pepe Allstars are welcome guests at this country’s most distinguished celebrations. A varied repertoire ranging from ball classics to today’s hits, years of experience, precise dance tempos and excellent musicians guarantee your success on the international dance floor. Bandleader Josef Schütz is also a member of the successful group “The Rats Are Back” and performs regularly with this vocal ensemble as well.

Carla Natascha’s Tropical Band

This extremely popular show band has been a guest at the Ball of Legal Professionals several times in previous years, and we are delighted that the opening of the Metternichsaal gives us the opportunity to dance to Latin American rhythms again this year! The spirited Austro-Latina, known for her unique performance, powerful voice and joie de vivre, enriches the European music scene with her own songs and productions. Carla Natascha’s heart has always belonged to the rhythms of her Latin American homeland. That is why, back in 2007, she founded her own band as lead vocalist with highly renowned musicians from all over the world. With her band formations she is a welcome star at tradition-rich events and balls as well as at European festivals and charity events. Her repertoire is international and includes well-known Latin American hits as well as her own compositions in the genres of salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, cha-cha, rumba, bolero, Latin pop and much more.

Salsa workshop

Maria Valles and Eric Guerrero

Salsa workshop with Maria Valles and Eric Guerrero from 1.30 am to 2.30 am.

Clemens Schaller Duo

Clemens Schaller studied jazz piano at the Konservatorium der Stadt Wien (MUK) and keyboard instruments of popular music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw). He is a pianist, singer, composer, arranger and musical director. Clemens Schaller performs with renowned national and international artists and is part of a wide range of productions. He has played in the World of Hans Zimmer show in Taiwan, at Hollywood in Vienna, and with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria. He has shared the stage with Alexandra Burke, Alan Menken, Nick Davis, Randy Kerber, André Heller, Uwe Kröger and Maya Hakvoort.