March 2002 - Nr. 3
Austrian Gala in Toronto
Annually we have in our Toronto community a couple of noteworthy balls. They are considered the social events of the season. One is the German Ball in the fall, and the other the Austrian Ball in February.
Putting on one's finest in evening wear and arriving at the Delta Chelsea Inn downtown has become a tradition for the Austrian community. This year fewer than ever chose to participate, for reasons not yet known. But it has become clear that since last year the hospitality industry has experienced a reported downturn in all its endeavours.
That
did not keep those who arrived from having a marvellous time. From the
moment one reached the location upstairs from the lobby and met with
animated conversation, checked in the coat and reached for that first glass
of Schlumberger Champagne, right through the evening, the mood was festive.
As Ambassador Dr. Ettmayer stated in his welcoming address, this ball is to get together with other Austrians and those that enjoy socializing the way Austrians like it.
Good
food and drink are major components of that sentiment and it can be said
that the food was indeed well chosen and prepared.
Music
is of course of major importance for an Austrian affair to be made of the
right stuff. During dinner talented members of Tafelmusik played for
everyone’s enjoyment. For the dancing part Matt Lebar and his band took over
as usual.
The
dance floor was always in good use. If the venue would have been fully
booked dancing might not have been so pleasant. Space definitely accounts
for half the pleasure in dancing. Midnight invited the guests to a
traditional Goulash Soup and there was a prize give-away of course.
The
main draw, 2 tickets to Vienna through Austrian airlines, went to Silvia (Sissi)
Fichtl, whom many remember from the Deutsche Theater Toronto, where she
played many parts.
Everything
was thought of with loving care under the direction of president Christine
Meyer, even a smoking salon was arranged for. There one could find a few
die-hards, about one round table full of smokers, who are still defying the
newest convention. Good for them!
All in all a great evening with all the accustomed little Austrian touches, including a lovely gift from Swarowsky for the ladies. SFR.
The Canadian Austrian Society of Toronto gratefully acknowledges the support of the following Sponsors:
-
Austrian Airlines Group
-
Austrian Trade Commission
-
Attila Glatz Concert Productions
-
CHIN Radio
-
Cojocoru Agencies
-
Coral Coast Swimwear
-
Cosmo Communications Inc.
-
Delta Chelsea Hotel
-
Delta Resorts Muskoka
-
Finch Centre Jewellers
-
Gyaki Agencies
-
A.W. Hockridge Ltd.
-
Mayflower Florists
-
P. Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.
-
Old Country Inn
-
Riedel Crystal of Canada
-
Royal York Hotel
-
Schilling’s Cafe
-
Swarovski Canada Ltd.
-
and many others
