The Life Ball weekend consists of a variety of events:
On the eve of Life Ball, the ‘Wiener Burgtheater’ presents the Red Ribbon Celebration Concert featuring international opera stars, legendary singers and outstanding spoken performances by award-winning actors and doyens of the ‘Burgtheater’. In 2013, net profits went to the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and President Bill Clinton w
as amongst the audience and speakers to represent his organization. On Saturday morning, selected journalists traditionally gather in the Imperial Hotel for the International Press Conference. On the panel, the spokespersons of Life Ball’s international partner organizations and the presenters of the ‘Crystal of Hope’ award emphasize their commitment to the cause and highlight the activities of the supported projects. Prior to the Life Ball Opening Ceremony, the AIDS Solidarity Gala – a prestigious gala banquet hosted by UNAIDS and LIFE+ – takes place in the Hofburg Imperial Palace under the patronage of the Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer. The Gala’s exclusive guests experience a champagne reception, a live auction of selected and unique items during the gala dinner as well as special music performances. The AIDS Solidarity Gala forms an international platform, raising awareness for the progress made as well as for the remaining global challenges in the fight against AIDS. The most visible element of Life Ball is the Opening Ceremony, starting with the colourful red-carpet entrance of celebrity guests and an extravagant opening show staged on a gigantic Red Ribbon on City Hall square. Each year, the Opening Ceremony attracts tens of thousands visitors, 500 national and international media representatives including 60 TV teams to Vienna City Hall square, where everybody can experience the exceptional show live and for free. Thousands of volunteers, sponsors and international personalities such as Bill Clinton, Sharon Stone, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Longoria, Antonio Banderas, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Liza Minnelli, Sir Elton John, Naomi Campbell, Milla Jovovich, Brooke Shields – just to name a few – support Life Ball, all free of charge. The Opening Ceremony traditionally ends with the Life Ball Fashion Show featuring top designers. Past designers include Jean Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli, Donatella Versace, Vivienne Westwood and Missoni. In 2012, Franca Sozzani, Editor in Chief of the Italian VOGUE, hosted the anniversary show with a 20-year retrospective of Life Ball fashion history. The Life Ball Party inside the City Hall is open to 3,780 ticket holders and celebrities in their costumes referring to the yearly changing Life Ball motto. The Party offers an iridescent show made up of national and international live acts, exciting performances and culinary surprises until the early morning.
