SemperOpernball boss Joachim Frey (55) wants to export his ball nights abroad.
Dresden – SemperOpernball boss Joachim Frey (55) apparently especially likes to dance where potentates rule.
–
Impresario Hans-Joachim Frey (55) has no problems with potentates in the ball business. © imago images / Sven Elger
The last opera ball was almost over because of Frey’s “Georgsorden” award to Egypt’s ruler al-Sisi. Now the impresario is planning the next glittering ball nights in Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
So in countries that are not under any democratic star. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International attest both countries serious human rights violations, especially when dealing with people who think differently. The latest example: Alexej Navalny.
Regardless of the assassination attempt on opponent Navalny and the current mass protests against the ruler Putin, the 2nd Dresden Opera Ball is to take place in St. Petersburg on September 4th, “this time even in the magnificent Catherine Palace”, as Frey reveals in a podcast of the “Disy” magazine. In 2019, the first Opera Ball was held in Dresden’s twin city on the Neva.
Frey has wanted that for a long time Dresdner SemperOpernball – as the Vienna Opera Ball does – market it as an event worldwide.
–
Russia’s President and ex-KGB man Vladimir Putin (68, left) received the Ball Medal in 2009. © dpa / Norbert Millauer
This strategy also includes the “1st Dubai Ball”, which is to be held on December 10th in the metropolis.
The occasion: 50 years of the United Arab Emirates. It will be a European-Arab ball, half of which will take place in the open air.
The first Arab artists have already been asked, says Frey. The 16th Semper Opera Ball in Dresden, originally planned for the end of February, fell victim to Corona.
It will now take place as a benefit gala on June 25th. By the way: Despite the announcement, the honor of the order to al Sisi has not been officially withdrawn until today.
–
