April, 2004 - Nr. 4
Ball Austria 2004
It was an evening to remember. This elegant event in the Royal York Hotel Toronto, was one of the grandest affairs in our community. It all started with a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. when the guests started to arrive. While mingling they met old friends and acquaintances in the crowd to talk to and exchange memories and experiences, whilst an accomplished pianist entertained with beloved, predominantly Austrian melodies.
At the Reception
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Many
of the memories of this evening were taken home via digital cameras. Almost
every table seemed to have one at this gathering of kindred spirits.
Technology conquers all!
After
the reception the doors to the Concert Hall opened and the almost 300 guests
found their seats at richly decorated tables to study the mouth-watering
menu that featured dishes named after famous Austrian musical selections.
The "Annen Polka" appetizer was a Parchment of East Coast Steelhead Trout
with Red Onion Potato Salad; followed by a delicious Sweet Potato and
Roasted Tomato Bisque called "Seufzer Gallop"; next came the "Radetzky
Marsch" entrée: Noisettes of Pork Tenderloin, Flamed Cognac Paprika Sauce,
Cauliflower and Potato Ragout, Braised Red Cabbage and Winter Vegetables.
But that wasn’t all, and in keeping with the theme of the ball, the desert
was a "Salute to Johann Strauß, (Vater)" - a rich Chocolate and Cherry
Kirsch infused Torte, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Pistachio Créme Anglaise.
Scrumptious doesn’t adequately describe these culinary masterpieces.
Swarovsky donated to all the ladies present beautiful little lapel pins as
party favours in the form of small silver and crystal swans.
Before
dinner was served Herbert Wolf, the evenings Master of Ceremonies,
introduced Christine Meyer, President of the Canadian Austrian Society. She
greeted the guests and marvelled at the wonderfully elegant assemblage of
beautiful people this evening and to think, "that most of them are
Austrians!!!" she remarked.
Unfortunately Dr. Otto Ditz, the new Austrian Ambassador to Canada was unable to attend, but Dr. Karl Schmidt, Austrian Consul and Trade Commissioner had graciously agreed to stand in and represent Austria.
Other honoured guests she mentioned were Dr. Klaus Rupprecht, Consul General of Germany, and his wife.
"However,
we are most privileged to have in our midst tonight, for the first time, Dr.
Alfred G. Wirth and Ms. Alison Dyer, senior University of Alberta
administrator.
Dr. Wirth, following in his late father Manfred’s footsteps, is one of – if not the major – sponsors of the Canadian Centre for Austrian and European Studies, at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton", she continued.
The centre was established five years ago and has as its mandate and objective the co-operation between Canadian and Central European universities, including Innsbruck, Graz, Budapest and many others, to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, art exhibits, exchange of scholars and graduate students, as well as conferences and research projects of historical and cultural nature, between Canada and the six participating European countries.
In recognition of the Wirth family’s contributions to furthering these endeavours, the centre has recently been renamed The Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies. The Wirth Family Endowment Fund is anticipated to reach the 10 Million Dollar mark in 2006.
Mrs. Meyer concluded with "Please join me in applauding Dr. Wirth for his generosity and foresight, but most of all for his commitment to preserving the awareness within Canada of the contributions made by Austrians to this country’s culture and society".
Dr.
Karl Schmidt also greeted the guests with a short but powerful message that
was gratefully received.
Two
orchestras entertained during dinner and for the dance afterwards. The Matt
Lebar ensemble and the Doug Zimmerman orchestra took
turns
during dinner and continuously kept the dance floor full of dancers
afterwards. Matt Lebar concentrated on familiar waltzes and polkas while
Doug Zimmerman’s orchestra played a number of more contemporary tunes.
Later
in the evening the greatly anticipated moment arrived: the winning of the
price of two airline tickets to Vienna, including a stay in the 5-star
Ambassador Hotel and a visit to the Schlumberger Weingut, near Vienna. Mrs.
Schmidt drew the winning ticket and the winner was Mrs. Christel Nickold.
Don McWilliam, President of Austrian Airlines in Canada made the
presentation after proper verification. Many other great prices were
available and raffled off as door prizes to the delight of many unsuspecting
guests.
Near
the close of the evening a traditional "Goulash Soup" was served at around
11:00 p.m.
What was the general consensus? It was an affair to remember!
r.k.a.
