JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS VIENNESE OPERA BALL KICKOFF

 

Jean Shafiroff

Philanthropist, TV host, author  and longtime supporter and chairwoman of the Viennese Opera Ball Jean Shafiroff hosted and underwrote a reception with over 100 guests at her New York residence to officially kick off the 70th Annual Viennese Opera Ball, one of New York’s oldest and most prestigious white-tie galas celebrating Austrian culture, diplomacy, and the enduring friendship between Austria and the United States.

The reception honored the Ball’s significant milestone year and gathered  supporters, cultural leaders, and patrons of the arts ahead of the landmark 70th Anniversary Viennese Opera Ball taking place in 2026. During the evening, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (representing the NYS Assembly) awarded Citations to both Jean Shafiroff and the Viennese Opera Ball for their exemplary work in philanthropy.  

This special evening included performances by acclaimed opera stars Elizabeth Sutphen, Soprano, and Brandon Cedel, Bass-Baritone, marking the start of the historic anniversary season for the organization.  In the spirit of the occasion, guests also enjoyed Austrian white wine from Domäne Wachau, one of Austria’s leading estates with organically farmed vineyards which was kindly donated by importer González Byass USA.

Marie Mannix With Jean Shafiroff, Hayley Monek & Jennifer Santos

 

“The Viennese Opera Ball represents elegance, culture, and the timeless beauty of the arts,” said Jean Shafiroff. “It is a privilege to host this gathering in celebration of its 70th year as we honor tradition while supporting the next generation of artistic excellence. As a past honoree and chairwoman, I look forward to the 70th Anniversary Gala and am excited to chair it once again. "

Founded in 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball is a flagship cultural event in New York, supporting charitable causes each year while showcasing classical music, opera, and Viennese ballroom tradition. The 70th Anniversary Ball will continue this legacy in grand fashion when it returns on Friday, May 8th, 2026.

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Silvia Frieser, Elizabeth Sutphen, Brandon Cedel, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Jay Hershenson, Ramona Singer, Louise Braver, Jennifer Santos, Hayley Monek, Emily Mohr, Diana Bocsha, Devon Birkshire, Paulo Carminati, Melanie Eimesser, Nicole Chessin, Isabelle Harnoncourt, Simona Petrova, Malan Breton, Ted Vassilev and Stefanie Eimesser.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book "Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give". Jean works extensively as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of 8 charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight to ten different charity galas.  She also  hosts and underwrites many large parties in her homes for different non-profits.   Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal welfare. In addition to hosting her own TV show, entitled Successful Philanthropy, Jean Shafiroff often appears on TV shows, podcasts and then in the press about her fashion and philanthropy.  She is an international leader who strives to motivate people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the philanthropic process.

Jean Shafiroff serves on the boards of the  French Heritage Society, Southampton Hospital Foundation,  NYC Mission Society,  Couture Council of the Museum at FIT,  New York Women's Foundation, Casita Maria, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board.  In addition, she is a member of the Advisory Board of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. A Catholic,  Jean  served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees. Jean Shafiroff has been honored numerous times by a variety of charitable organizations for her work and is regarded Jean as being among the leading ladies of philanthropy.

For more information, please visit www.jeanshafiroff.com

IG: @JeanShafiroff @JeanShafiroffAtWork 

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 About the Viennese Opera Ball:

Since 1955, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York has been a representative of Vienna’s cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour in the Big Apple. The Ball operates as a cultural platform and builds bridges to connect present day New York City with 19th Century Vienna, and people of varying heritages, continents, and generations, to bring traditional glamour to the city that never sleeps.

 For more information, please visit: www.vienneseoperaball.com

IG: vienneseoperaball 

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Photos Courtesy Of Lawlor Media Group