Opera Ball presents debutantes

THE Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) presents the 2008 Opera Ball and presentation of debutantes. Designed to capture the magnificence and grandeur of a Viennese Opera Ball, this vibrant display of traditional Austrian music and dance unfolds at 7 p.m. on February 23 at the NBC Tent in a black-tie gala affair to raise funds for charity and the arts.

The celebration presenting the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will feature the following artists: Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl; lyric soprano Ana Guillen Feleo; tenor Nolyn Cabahug; and businessman tenor George Yang.

Austrian artistic director Bernia Götz and choreographer Gener Caringal collaborate in teaching the debutantes and their escorts basic waltz steps and directing the debutantes’ waltz and polka numbers. The musical performance presents some of the best-loved works of Strauss, Mozart and other great composers. A four-course menu of Austrian dishes prepared by chefs of the Mandarin Oriental, Manila will enhance the gastronomic experience in this affair that is in aid of Virlanie Foundation, Child Hope, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Arts for the People Program and GeoChris Foundation, Inc.

Cristina Rose Mary Belton, chair of the 2008 Opera Ball, says that the JSSP stages the event to help develop and instill in the youth social awareness. The introduction of the debutantes, who will be presented in a delightful waltz number, is one of the highlights of the evening. The debutantes gowns are designed by Pitoy Moreno, reminiscent of the gowns that the debutantes wear when presented at the Vienna Opera House.

The lovely debutantes were presented to the media during a press conference held at the hotel. The debutantes are: Ma. Cristina P. Afzelius, Sheree Chua, Kristen Noelle Ponce Enrile, Madeleine Lauren A. Humphries, Michaela Victoria L. Laurel, Katrina Beatrize T. Manas, Angeli Lourisse B. Miller, Isabel G. Palabyab,