History
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After the journalists and writers association 'Concordia' was established in 1859, it was agreed that the occasion deserved its own ball. On January 19th 1863, the first 'Concordia Ball' was held at the Sofiensäle. The ball soon became an annual highlight in the calendars of Viennese society. From its conception, it was visited by figures from politics, society and art. In its second year was referred to in the 'Morning Post' as the 'crown of elite balls'. Until the 50th Anniversary Ball in 1914, the only year in which the Concordia Ball did not take place was 1889 following the death of Crown Prince Rudolf, who regularly frequented the ball.
After the First World War and the collapse of the monarchy, the importance of the Concordia Ball waned. In the early 1930s the ball fell prey to the tumultuous political and economic conditions. After the 'Anschluss', Press Club Concordia was forcibly disbanded by the Nazis. Despite the reactivation of Press Club Concordia after the war, the mood to hold a ball was not quick to return. In 1960 came the revival of the Concordia Ball under the president of the Press Club, Rudolf Kalmar, with the support of Hans Mandl, Vienna's Vice Mayor. It was at this time that the Concordia Ball found its new home at Vienna's City Hall during the 'Vienna Festival'. Source: Felix Czeike: Historical Dictionary of Vienna. (Volume 1). Publisher Kremayr & Scheriau, Vienna 1992, page 589 Felix Czeike: Concordiaball. In: Wochenspiegel 6 (1986), page 5 Dress CodeIn keeping with tradition, compliance with ball etiquette is strictly required. Although Rudolf Kalmar, former president of the Press Club, once joked to a newspaper (Die Presse) about how strict the Concordia Ball was regarding its adherence to formality, he also noted that 'the ball speaker's speech carried the same weight as a formal policy statement. The way the cosmopolitan city respected the Concordia Ball, was the respect to it's mind.'
In keeping with the venue and ambience of the ball, the following dress code applies: Ladies: Floor-length evening dresses Gentlemen: Dark tuxedo, dinner jacket, military uniform and bow tie The ball committee reserves the right to refuse entry to any guest who does not honour these dress rules. Ball Ambassador
Elisabeth Himmer-Hirnigel, 'President of Public Affairs', PR International
PR Grande-Dame Elisabeth Himmer-Hirnigel succeeds as ball ambassador in 2018 after three years of successful cooperation with the Austrian media producer Uschi Pöttler-Fellner. Now ‚President of Public Affairs‘ for PR International, Himmer-Hirnigel ran the agency she founded with top international clients in the luxury and lifestyle industry for 32 years. She interrupted her singing career when she married her great love and gave birth to two sons. The passion for classical music and opera has remained the award-winning PR expert.
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Venue
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As one of the few summer balls the Concordia Ball takes place in Vienna's City Hall during the 'Vienna Festival'. The exquisitely decorated halls of Vienna's City Hall provide plenty of room for dancing the night away, or alternatively, the inner courtyard magically transforms into an outdoor dance floor.
Vienna City Hall Address: Entrance Lichtenfelsgasse 2 1010 Vienna Directions to Vienna's City Hall by public transport: Subway: U2 Rathaus, U3 Volkstheater Trams: 1, 71 or D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater, 2 to Rathaus For precise timetable inquiries please check Vienna's public transportation website. Parking around Vienna's City Hall: Due to the strict parking regulations enforced around the venue, it is recommended that guests arrive by public transport or taxi. Should you wish to arrive by car, there is limited parking available in the town hall's underground car park. Frequently Asked Questions about the Concordia Ball |
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On this page you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Concordia Ball. Please click on below terms. Or call the ball office for further information, phone number +43 1 533 75 09 or contact by e-mail.
A Accomodation B Ball Office C Contact D Directions to Vienna's City Hall Dress Code H Hotel Packages L Location Loge Seat Tickets O Online Booking Opening Committee Overnight Stay P Parking Press Club Concordia T Table Seat Tickets Tickets Ticket Sales Ticket Categories & Pricing Travel Packages V Venue |
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