Zurich Opera House celebrated the successful debut of its new charity gala A Night at the Opera, transforming one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions into the setting for an elegant evening dedicated to music, philanthropy and society. Around 500 guests from the worlds of culture, business and media gathered for the first edition of the event, hosted by Opera House director Matthias Schulz.
The gala supported the opera house’s youth initiatives, including the newly founded 80-member Children’s Opera Orchestra – a project reflecting the institution’s growing focus on nurturing the next generation of artistic talent.
Guests arriving on the red carpet included actresses Anna Pieri Zuercher and Rachel Braunschweig, Zoe Pastelle and writer Kim de l’Horizon, alongside leading names from the Swiss business world such as Franziska Tschudi-Sauber, Philipp Hildebrand, Alfred Gantner and Margarita Louis-Dreyfus. Rolex, UBS and Confiserie Sprüngli joined the evening as presenting partners.
The artistic program offered exclusive moments throughout the night. A special highlight was the surprise performance by internationally acclaimed opera star Elīna Garanča, accompanied on piano by Matthias Schulz himself. Additional performances featured Swiss soprano Regula Mühlemann, American tenor Stephen Costello and members of the Zurich Ballet presenting an excerpt from the upcoming production of “Romeo and Juliet”. The evening was hosted by SRF presenter Jennifer Bosshard.
A three-course dinner by Michelin-starred chef Stefan Heilemann of Widder Restaurant added a refined culinary dimension, while guests also participated in a silent auction featuring highly exclusive experiences, from private concerts and orchestra pit access to candlelight dinners at the opera house.
Blending culture, gastronomy and philanthropy, A Night at the Opera established itself as one of Zurich’s most glamorous new charity evenings.
Photos by Anastasia Diadio
