When: December 31
Where: Hofburg, Vienna

Now that winter seems to be finally at our door, Sullivan and Sullivan is turning its attention towards New Year’s Eve.

The Valletta-based travel agent is offering a fairy tale evening at Vienna’s Le Grand Bal, taking place at the magnificent Hofburg.

This trip has been organised by Sullivan and Sullivan for 31 consecutive years.

Guests will toast 2014 in the beautifully decorated state rooms while enjoying a dazzling artistic programme and an exquisite gala dinner.

At the start of the evening, guests are formally welcomed with a glass of sekt on the red carpet.

A selection of leading soloists from the Vienna State Opera Ballet Association will give a performance, choreographed by Lukas Gaudernak.

The debutantes committee from the world-famous Elmayer Dance School will get the dancing underway with a performance of the Fan Polonaise in the Festsaal.

Internationally celebrated soprano Ildikó Raimondi, accompanied by Anita Götz, Eugene Amesmann and Matjaž Stopinšek from the Vienna State Opera and Volksoper, will cast a spell on ball-goers with enchanting arias during the opening ceremony and the midnight show.

Classics from the Viennese dance repertoire, including popular melodies by the Strauss clan, will add a touch of verve to the uniquely Viennese proceedings.

As always, the spellbinding midnight production plays out in front of a firework display, the Pummerin Bell at St Stephen’s and the traditional Blue Danube Waltz.

For more details, visit Sullivan and Sullivan in St Lucy Street, Valletta, e-mail reuben@sullivan.com.mt or call 2123 0681.