Cultural diplomacy. Feel like an aristocrat! How to get to the ball and how much it costs Design and Architecture Day
If you make a list of events that you need to see with your own eyes, then the Venice Carnival and the Doge's Ball held at this time will undoubtedly be on it.
The carnival itself has existed for ten centuries, since the very times when Venice was the center of the powerful Venetian Republic. For two months (they used to have fun longer than now) the city turned into an endless noisy masquerade. The costumes of Harlequin, Columbine, courtesans and masks that hid the face blurred the social differences between commoners and nobility.
An intoxicating atmosphere, intrigue, mysteries... Add to this the enchanting scenery of narrow streets and canals - and you get a crazy cocktail of eroticism and passion. Until now, the Venice Carnival is one of the most famous on the planet. Time changes almost nothing in the ceremony and mood of the holiday, but what changes can there be in a ghost town? But... Twenty years ago, a Venetian from a noble family - designer Antonia Sautter, a successful businesswoman in the fashion world, a supplier of historical dresses to various museums around the world, decided to take a bold step - as part of the carnival she organized a luxurious Doge's Ball, which instantly became the event of the year. The first guests were few - about a hundred, and all were Antonia's friends, the creative and business elite. Thanks to word of mouth, the next year there were about two hundred guests, and three years later - half a thousand. Mrs. Sautter even had to set a quota - no more than 450 people, otherwise it would be impossible to guarantee exclusive service. Why did the Doge's Ball so surprise the sophisticated audience? Remember the scenes from Stanley Kubrick's cult film Eyes Wide Shut. The luxurious palace into which the characters of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman find themselves is exactly the same as Palazzo Pisani Moretta, where the Doge's Ball takes place (by the way, costumes and masks were provided to Kubrick by the Antonia Sautter workshop!). The phenomenal success of the Ball is hidden in the incredible feeling of celebration, play and mystery, which modern people greatly lack. An ancient palazzo, an elegant table, music and, most importantly, magnificent historical costumes and masks; you can’t go to the Ball without them.
Pants for Casanova
Regulars fly to Venice a couple of months before the event to calmly select their favorite costumes. Ms. Sautter's atelier has an incredible selection of them. Moreover, everything is an exact copy of its medieval great-great-grandfathers. Bra (short trousers), kameez (undershirt), camisoles, cloaks and soft pointed shoes with silver buckles - for men, rigid corsets, silk petticoats, dresses with expensive hand embroidery and lace - for women. All this is the manual labor of seamstresses working in a workshop overlooking the waters of the Grand Canal with huge windows. It would probably be easier to move production to China, but Ms. Sautter has a principled position: to personally control the entire process in order to vouch for the quality of the product. Her assistants purchase fabrics—antique silk, velvet, brocade, lace—at auctions. Modern materials in a wide variety of colors and prints are made here in Italy. Swarovski stones and natural pearls are used to decorate the costumes, and the sequins are cut from “scrap metal” of the past and even the century before last! Play like this, everything here is for real, not make-believe. The masks are also painted by local artists.
When the visitor decides on a dress, the milliner measures it. All data is entered into a computer, as well as taste preferences. A friend of mine, a fan of the legendary Casanova, wanted to transform into his idol for a couple of days. The milliner picked out a sky-colored camisole, trousers, shoes and hat for him and informed him that the shirt and leggings would be sewn for him personally. I chose the Marquise de Pompadour’s outfit made of silk in the color of “the thighs of a frightened nymph” (pale pink) - I really wanted to feel like a lady driving kings crazy.
The selected costumes were delivered to our hotel, perfectly ironed, on the eve of the event.
On the day of the Ball, I advise you to get a good night's sleep, because you will have to dance until three or four in the morning! Have a calm and hearty breakfast (at the height of the carnival this is not easy: there are a lot of people, and the prices are high). But, for example, I have long fallen in love with the Al Colombo restaurant, located in the very heart of Venice, not far from Piazza San Marco, but a little away from the tourist trails. Many noble Venetians have lunch and dinner here. At the end of the meal, you will certainly be treated to a delicious liqueur (the impressive size bottle is simply placed on the table by the waiter). A good mood is guaranteed, it's time to return to the hotel. Four hours before the start of the Ball, a hairdresser will visit you - if you are a VIP ticket holder. If not, go to the salon. Tell the master that you are a guest of the Doge's Ball, close your eyes and wait for a wonderful transformation. The Venetians love this Ball, and your hair will be done exactly like the characters of the century before last.
Since historical costumes are a curiosity for modern people, it will take a long time to get dressed. You can’t imagine how much time it can take to tighten the corset and smooth out the petticoats, even with the help of the atelier employee Mrs. Sautter. It took me a whole hour!
Mask, I don't know you!
How to get to Palazzo Pisani Moretta? If you are in Venice, then you can only take a gondola or water taxi. Call them in advance: in Italy they don’t like to rush. The hostess recommends that her guests do not take watches or mobile phones to the Ball. After all, the secret of the action is also that time freezes here... There are no clocks on the walls of the palazzo, nor on the staff - but why, since you are already in a fairy tale and there is nowhere to rush. A chamber orchestra is playing, impeccably trained waiters glide past guests with silver trays on outstretched arms, offering champagne - of course, the best. The Doge's Ball is, first of all, bliss and luxury...
The huge mirrors reflect the hall, illuminated by thousands of candles, and people in masks... Mrs. Soutter guarantees that among the guests there will certainly be one of the world's celebrities. So try to guess Jack Nicholson, Antonio Banderas, Daryl Hannah, Peter Gabriel, Vivienne Westwood or Joaquin Cortez under the mask.
Masks are usually taken off after midnight, when the disco begins below, on the so-called Romantic Floor. DJs from London or Paris spin discs until the morning, creating a unique mix of modern rhythms and music of the Middle Ages. They say that people often find love at the Ball. In the enchanting atmosphere of a fairy tale, we become kinder and more natural. As paradoxical as it sounds, carnival costumes help us throw off the masks that we wear in life.
In a relaxed atmosphere, where you can play any role you like, it’s simple and easy to communicate.
Until late in the evening (or rather early in the morning), when darkness dissipates over the Grand Canal, musicians and actors in the costumes of Eros, Passion, and Romance entertain the public with nonsense and fun, almost the same as one hundred and three hundred years ago. Even a very shy guest will not feel forgotten here.
By the way, getting to work as an actor at the Doge's Ball is extremely difficult. Ms Sautter sifts through thousands of CVs sent by artists from all over Europe. There is no need to worry about the future of those who passed the tough casting and were involved in the Ball at least once; they will always find work later.
During the carnival, the city does not seem to fall asleep at all. The feeling of celebration, cheerful bustle and joy does not leave until the time of departure - but it’s better not to think about it yet! The ball continues. What else does a person need to feel free and happy for a short time?
Tickets for the Doge's Ball can be purchased on the website
— The Doge’s Ball is a fairy tale that you want to return to again and again. Venice itself is enchanting and mysterious, because a little more and, perhaps, like Atlantis, it will go under water. And add your own reincarnation into a person from the past! What’s amazing is this: as soon as I put on the costume of a court lady, my back involuntarily took on a proud posture, I no longer wanted to rush, walk and talk quickly. “Go to the Ball!” - how wonderful this phrase sounds. I am for organizing holidays for yourself, exciting your feelings and continuing to be amazed by the fairy tale.
Italian Week in Moscow - Buongiorno Italia is an annual international exhibition designed to strengthen relations between Russia and Italy through expanding cultural and business contacts. In 2017, the exhibition venue will be the Manege Central Exhibition Hall from December 5 to 12.
This time, the exhibition organizers paid even more attention to the business program than usual, in order to expand the opportunities for developing trade relations between the two countries. Guests and potential partners will have access to the latest achievements of Italy in such promising areas as ecology, tourism, medicine, construction and other equally mutually beneficial areas for cooperation. Traditionally, the business program will become a platform for concluding a number of commercial and investment agreements and contracts.
Among the guests are the best business representatives from Russia and Italy. True professionals in the field of economics, leading collectors of both countries, experts in the field of authentication and evaluation of works of art and antiques, representatives of investment funds specializing in art objects, outstanding Russian and Italian masters, cultural figures, fashion designers and many others. In order to demonstrate as fully as possible everything that Italy is rich in, the weekly program was divided into five days: Fashion Day, Culture Day, Tourism Day, Design and Architecture Day, Economics Day.
Fashion Day
It is not for nothing that Italy is considered the world center of fashion. “Dolce & Gabbana”, “MOSCHINO”, “Armani”, “Roberto Cavalli”, “Versace” and a number of other no less famous names and labels, known in all corners of the planet, come from Italy. Style, taste and elegance are not empty words for Italians and guests of the fashionable capital of the world. Therefore, it is impossible to imagine Italy Week in Moscow without shows by leading young and already recognized designers and fashion designers.
Day of Culture
The exhibition organizers know how to combine business with pleasure, and therefore, in between business meetings and signing contracts, exhibition guests will be able to visit a joint project between Russia and Italy in the field of culture. Private and public galleries of contemporary art will present their most valuable and interesting exhibits, and invited professionals will share their expert opinions in assessing works of art. By the way, collectors will not leave empty-handed: at the end of the Culture Day they will have a closed auction.
Tourism Day
Italy attracts not only with fashion trends, but also with nature, architecture, cuisine and the highest degree of hospitality. In terms of attendance, it ranks fifth in the world and is not going to lose ground: tourists here will enjoy a seaside holiday of the highest standard, thermal resorts, shopping tours and sports tour programs. A number of Italian regions prepared stands for the exhibition, where each province tried to demonstrate the unique features of its area.
Day of Design and Architecture
Italy is known for its significant architectural achievements, incredibly varied in style, but always distinguished by sophistication and style. Three main thematic areas related to Italian design, urban decoration and ancient crafts await the admiring sighs of visitors to the exhibition. And, as the Italians love, everything will be very spectacular: instead of boringly looking at design objects, guests will be surprised by a real performance with fire, sound, music and color effects.
Economy Day
On this day, modern methods of distribution of Italian products, which have already proven themselves in more than one area, will be considered as an aid in modernizing the distribution network through distribution agreements with Russian partners. Thus, companies with a potentially successful product, but without a sustainable organization for marketing the product abroad, will have the opportunity to internationalize its promotion. Participants will also discuss the signing of agreements to create associations, marketing methods necessary for product launch and distribution, the position of the Italian market in relation to price stabilization and a quality offer for real estate focused on environmentally friendly energy categories.
Venice Doge's Ball
“Il Ballo del Doge” - The Doge's Ball is a legendary ball held annually on the night of the Venice Carnival. It was this that the American magazine Vanity Fair called “the most luxurious, sophisticated and exclusive ball in the world.” The Italian sorceress Senora Antonia Sautter recreated the traditions of Venetian aristocratic banquets at the Doge Ball. A new term in the equation “to see [Paris] and die!” For the first time, Muscovites and guests of the capital will have the opportunity, without leaving Russia, to tick off their must-visit list.
Il Ballo del Doge, or the Doge's Ball in Venice, was once called by secular observers of the American publication Vanity Fair the most luxurious ball in the world, and their Australian colleagues from ABC Television even claim: every traveler should see this gala masquerade at least once in his life with my own eyes wide shut.
In a costume orgy, the dead end of Del Carro Lane will seem like the calmest haven, but only for a minute. The house at number 1628 has its own carnival. The whisper of taffeta and the breath of the veil are interrupted by the seemingly forgotten sound of men's heels.
In the atelier of one of the most famous Venetian designers, carnival costume became truly high fashion. One client’s sketchy illusions were embodied in fabric for a whole year; such painstaking work cost her almost a million rubles.
Now there are two dozen seamstresses rushing between sheikhs, Chinese millionaires and Russian oligarchs in fitting rooms. And back in 1993, Signora Sautter, like Cinderella, embroidering loop after loop, could not even think that one day Terry Jones would appear on the threshold of her workshop. One of the founders of the cult English comic group Monty Python found himself on the shores of the Adriatic by chance - he was looking for location for filming a new series about the Crusades. And if Antonia Sautter had not then invited the film crew to reconstruct the historical ball, then Il Ballo del Doge would have remained only a dream of a blond Venetian. The costumed celebration so vividly conveyed the atmosphere of old times on film that it instantly became a popular event among world stars. Later, Stanley Kubrick's assistant at Sautter's studio was looking for props for one of the most mysterious films of the twentieth century, Eyes Wide Shut. After Tom Cruise hid his face under a mask, the Doge's Ball was destined to become the main event of the Venice Carnival.
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The night of fantasy is illuminated year after year by candles, breathing life into the seemingly forgotten and cold Palazzo Pisani Moretta. The lights, coquettishly reflected in the waters of the Grand Canal, fascinate guests arriving by boat, as do the welcoming sounds of the sea wave crashing against the rocks of reality. The baroque halls plunge into the Venetian night, the color of bright sapphire, accompanied by the lively soprano of the sirens. Four hundred guests in elegant carnival costumes find themselves in the abyss of Antonia Sautter's dreams.
“Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the most wonderful evening of your life...” - a fairy in pink gives an interview, while Cupid climbs onto a pole behind her wings, and a three-meter Pierrot tries to sweep the dust off the cameraman’s hat. Waiters in turbans offer a glass of champagne while a flirtatious servant in a cap makes eyes at the new gentlemen to the deafening ringing of passing dwarf musicians. Even the characters in Tiepolo's frescoes participate in this game of frivolity, eagerly watching the feast from above.
Tables showered with rose petals and pearls are buried in an abundance of taste and gastronomic delights forgotten from the times when Napoleon's wife Josephine, the Austrian Emperor Joseph II or the Russian Tsar Paul were received in this palace. By the way, Russian speech at balls is heard more and more often again. The Venetians do not shy away from reminding modern nouveau riche old European customs. If you are the holder of a VIP ticket, then a few hours before the ball a barber will knock on your room with an offer to put a marafet on your head in unison with the era of the ball. Particularly prepared guests even take historical dance lessons in advance so that they don’t accidentally get embarrassed during a spectacular step.
If you avidly read historical novels, prefer classical music to modern music, know how to dance and carry on small talk, then the ideal place where you can demonstrate all your talents is, of course, a ball. Fortunately, today, to get to this event, you don’t have to, like Cinderella, sort through grain, plant roses and wait for the good fairy godmother. Everything is much more banal - you will have to pay a tidy sum for an entrance ticket and a decent suit.
Vienna Ball in Moscow
It has been held annually in the capital since 2003. According to tradition, funds collected from the ball are used to support children's organizations.
Dress code: for ladies - a full-length evening dress. For gentlemen - a tailcoat, tuxedo or full military uniform.
Cost of participation: from 10,500 to 50,000 rubles.
Participants of the thirteenth charity Vienna Ball, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory of the anti-Hitler coalition in World War II and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Vienna by the Soviet army. Photo: RIA Novosti / Vladimir Vyatkin
Vienna Opera Ball
This annual event is rightfully the main one in the public life of the city, but it is far from the only one, because the ball season begins on November 11 and lasts for several months.
Dress code: men must wear a tailcoat, ladies must wear long, beautiful ball gowns.
Upcoming event: February 23, 2017, takes place at the Vienna State Opera.
Cost of participation: entrance ticket - 290 euros, a seat in a box - 20,500 euros, a seat at a table for six people - 1200 euros. If you don’t have such astronomical sums in your wallet, you can go to the dress rehearsal of the Vienna Ball, where standing seats will cost 25 euros, seated ones - from 30 to 60 euros.
The Vienna Ball in a painting from 1904. reproduction
It was once the most important event among all European balls, but the wonderful tradition was interrupted due to the Second World War, when the building was very damaged during the bombing.
The beauty is that even if you don't have the required amount for a ticket, you can join the people who will celebrate this grand event in front of the Semper Opera building. All those gathered not only watch what is happening in the theater on large street monitors, but also dance until the morning and have fun.
Dress code: for men - a tuxedo and bow tie, for women - a long floor-length dress.
Cost of participation: the cheapest entrance ticket costs 250 euros, provided that you attend the event after 23:00, when the opening program ends. A place at a table in the center of the hall, near the stage, designed for 12 people, costs about 2,000 euros. A place not in the main hall - about 500 euros. Please note that the closer you get to the scheduled event, the faster the tickets begin to rise in price, so it is better to purchase them in advance.
Dresden Ball. Photo: www.globallookpress.com
Russian Summer Ball in London
The ball has been held since 1996, not only does it involve dancing and having a good time, but it also raises funds for charity through an auction.
Dress code: men and women must strictly adhere to White Tie or Black Tie.
Upcoming event: June 11, 2016, at Lancaster House, London, which is usually closed to the public.
Cost of participation: about 250 euros (if you buy a ticket in advance), if you join the event after dinner - about 115 euros.
Doge's Ball in Venice (Il Ballo del Doge)
The most exclusive carnival party in Venice, thanks to the designer Antonia Sautter. This successful businesswoman has been a supplier of historical dresses to various museums around the world for many years; one day she decided to organize a luxurious costume ball, which instantly became the event of the year and today attracts people to her.
Dress code: historical costumes and masks.
Upcoming event: February 2017, Palazzo Pisani Moretta.
Cost of participation: from 650 euros per person. A VIP ticket includes dinner on the third floor of the palace in the “Super VIP Lounge”, a full ticket includes dinner in rooms on the second floor of the palace, the most economical option is a ticket without dinner.
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This journey to the origins of fashion and events is at the top of the list of world events that every modern person should definitely visit at least once in his life. This luxurious, sophisticated and exclusive ball, taking place as part of the Venetian Carnival, takes the world's most prominent celebrities back in time for one night.The famous Soviet-era phrase “See Paris and die” is no longer relevant. Nowadays, many people have seen it (Paris), more than once... Priorities are changing, and tourism as such is giving way to event tourism. But even here everything is not so simple - now people want to be not an observer, as they once were, but a direct participant in the event. Festivals and carnivals are also not new, and spoiled tourists are tired of the mass events, wanting a VIP format, albeit for a lot of money.
Doge's Ball
The Venice Carnival is still one of the most famous on the planet. An intoxicating atmosphere, intrigue, riddles, enchanting scenery of narrow streets and canals. Time changes almost nothing in the ceremony and the mood of the holiday for the masses, but what changes can there be in a ghost town? But... Twenty years ago, one enterprising Venetian and stylist of chic historical costumes decided to take a bold step - as part of the carnival, she organized the Doge's Ball (in the Middle Ages, the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic), which instantly became the event of the year.
“Il Ballo del Doge” is not just a costume show, but the most significant event in Venice. A creative, musical and theatrical evening, carefully thought out to the smallest detail. Guests are greeted under magical lighting in huge mirrored halls with decorations. The actors who run the show and involve guests in all their silliness and fun blur the lines between perception and sensation. Everything ingenious is simple!
“Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the most wonderful evening of your life...” sounds like the motto of the ball. Over the course of an evening you can see a hundred performances: commedia dell'arte artists, musicians playing crystal glasses, stripper ballerinas - oh, I can't list them all; but by morning all these mummery actions merge into one continuous surreal film.
Guests of the Ball
A pass to such parties, like hundreds of years ago, is either a big name or money. Meeting a real prince or princess at a ball is not a fairy tale at all. Royalty, Hollywood celebrities and sheikhs, well-known businessmen, politicians and artists, whose faces are hidden under masks, flock here every February.
Roberto Panchiera, head of the Venice tourism department:“That’s it, the carnival doesn’t need advertising. Just like the people who come here. And kings, princes and a lot of wealthy people come, especially from the east. But you won’t see their names in the newspapers the next day - they prefer to be here incognito.”
The phenomenal success of the ball is hidden in the incredible feeling of play and mystery, which modern people so lack. It would seem like a paradox - but carnival masks help us take off the “masks” that we wear in life. This is probably why masquerades are always such a success, because you can become whoever you want, and this is even more intriguing! This is how many members of the elite are present at the carnival, and this gives guests special pleasure...
Masks are usually taken off after midnight, when the disco begins below, on the so-called Romantic Floor. DJs from London or Paris spin discs until the morning, creating a unique mix of modern rhythms and medieval music. They say that people often find love at the ball. In the relaxed atmosphere of a fairy tale, where you can play any role you like, communicate simply and easily, we become kinder and more natural.
From 20:30 until late in the evening (or rather early in the morning), when darkness dissipates over the Grand Canal, musicians and actors in costumes entertain the public with nonsense and fun, almost the same as one hundred or three hundred years ago. Even a very shy guest will not feel forgotten here.
Passion turned success
Hostess of the evening Antonia Sautter– a Venetian, designer of traditional Venetian costumes, once gave an interview to the BBC about her historical dress workshop, and the TV crew asked her to invite several friends to dress in her outfits for the “picture”. This is how one of the most colorful balls in the world was founded. The first guests were few - about a hundred, and all were Antonia's friends, the creative and business elite. Thanks to word of mouth, the following year there were about two hundred guests, and three years later – half a thousand. And then we had to set a quota - no more than 400 people, otherwise it would be impossible to guarantee exclusive service.
She began her journey in the fashion world at a very young age. At 23, she was already the sole director of the Italian office of Venezia Mode, one of the leading companies selling Italian-made clothing in the United States, and worked for a long time in New York, coordinating cooperation between Italy and the United States. Returning to Italy, she collaborated with prestigious fashion houses until she felt ready to create her own line, Fashion Venetia.
After gaining experience in the fashion world, Antonia began organizing events. And feeling the need to create a world of magic, the fruit of her creativity and impressionability, where history, art, culture, poetry and creativity could intertwine, in 1993 Sautter created an international gala masquerade - the Doge's Ball.
“This is my mission, I guess. I have always organized “parties” since childhood. And my mother once told me – do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”
Dress code
As for the dress code, a mask and suit are mandatory for everyone, of which Antonia Sautter’s laboratory-atelier has over 1000 copies dating back to that era, all of them are unique and hand-made according to individual sketches. According to many people, her atelier is a magical place that is beyond reality - this is a magical kingdom of carnival costumes, masks, hats, feathers and ribbons, ready to burst into where time stops, and you find yourself in an enchanted world. The price for renting one suit varies from 200 to 1200 euros per day, depending on the chosen model.
Regulars fly to Venice a couple of months before the event to calmly select their favorite costumes. When the visitor decides on a dress, the milliner measures it, but some underwear items are sewn personally. All data is entered into a computer, as well as taste preferences. The selected costumes are delivered to the hotel, perfectly ironed, on the eve of the event.
On the day of the ball, I advise you to get a good night's sleep, because you will have to dance until dawn! Four hours before the start of the ball, a hairdresser will visit you - if you are a VIP ticket holder. If not, go to the salon. Tell the master that you are a guest of the Doge's Ball, close your eyes and wait for a wonderful transformation. The Venetians love this ball, and your hair will be done exactly like the characters of the century before last.
Since historical costumes are a curiosity for modern people, it will take a long time to get dressed, at least an hour. You can’t imagine how much time it can take to tighten the corset and smooth out the petticoats, even with the help of the atelier employee Mrs. Sautter.
Venue of the ball
This unique and unforgettable action always takes place in one of the most beautiful palaces in Venice, located on the Grand Canal - Palazzo Pisani Moretta.
The palace was built in the second half of the 15th century for the Pisani family in one of the most fashionable areas on the Grand Canal. The magnificent Gothic style vaulted windows make the façade architecturally significant. The interior of the palace is decorated in Baroque style and decorated with magnificent works by such famous Venetian painters of the 18th century as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Jacopo Guarana. Thanks to restoration work in the last decade, the Pisani Palace has regained its former grandeur, which so delighted famous visitors in past centuries, including the Russian Emperor Paul, Josephine Bonaparte and the Austrian Emperor Joseph II.
By the way, remember Kubrick’s footage from Eyes Wide Shut. The luxurious palace into which the characters of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman find themselves is exactly the same as Palazzo Pisani Moretta, where the Doge's Ball takes place.
How to get to Palazzo?
If you are in Venice, then you can only take a gondola or water taxi. Call them in advance: in Italy they don’t like to rush.
The hostess recommends that her guests do not take watches or mobile phones to the ball. After all, the secret of the action is also that time freezes here... There are no clocks on the walls of the palazzo, nor on the staff - but why, since you are already in a fairy tale and there is nowhere to rush. A chamber orchestra is playing, impeccably trained waiters glide past guests with silver trays on outstretched arms, offering champagne - of course, the best. The Doge's Ball is, first of all, bliss and luxury...
Royal banquet menu and show
The evening's program includes a welcome cocktail and buffet, and each course of the sumptuous meal, prepared by top chefs, is carefully thought out and personally tasted by Antonia. A world-famous sommelier will offer appropriate vintage wines for all dishes. The themed table setting and banquet service are also masterpieces.
After the dinner party, a grand show begins with artists of all genres, and downstairs on the Romantic floor there is a mix of modern rhythms and music of the 17th and 18th centuries. You can move from one table to another, from one room to another, and believe me, everything will be comfortable and unexpectedly interesting.
But getting to work at the Doge’s Ball is extremely difficult. Ms Sautter sifts through thousands of CVs sent by artists from all over Europe. There is no need to worry about the future of those who passed the tough casting and were involved in the ball at least once; they will always find work later.
Dawn comes, and the magical night remains for a long time in the hearts of hundreds of guests. Guests return here again from time to time, in order to be again impressed by the wonderful intoxicating atmosphere of this magical night, the cool winter breeze caressing Venice during Carnival, and the echo of footsteps on the narrow crooked streets of the “calli” - but everything that happens in the Pisani Palace Moretta remains just a dream that comes true only once a year at Antonia Sautter's ball! The ball brought this wonderful woman the fame she truly deserves.
"Triumph of Love" at the Doge's Ball 2013
Each Doge's Ball is always dedicated to a specific theme that is not repeated. The hostess has an inexhaustible imagination - they are all interesting. If this is “Seven Sins, Seven Dreams,” then on the first floor of the Palazzo there is hell with all the devils that entails, on the second there is paradise, where angels serve food and wine. If “Queen...the scent of a woman, a drop of voluptuousness...”, then this is a Baroque evening dedicated to the women who reign in men’s hearts, and to the men who never cease to admire the eternal beauty of their companions throughout the centuries.“Garden of Delights”, “Golden Passion – the Soul of Serenissima”, “Sea” and many other ideas were the themes of this ball.On February 2 of this year, a reproduction of the most striking performances of masquerade balls of all past years – “The Best Of...” has already taken place.
“Year after year I received many requests to repeat the show from guests who liked this or that performance at the Doge's Balls, and over time these requests became more and more persistent,” says Antonia. “Since the ball is a completely new production every year, I never took such requests seriously. But last year, under pressure from some of my esteemed guests, I had the idea... to present at the opening of the Venice Carnival a series of the most striking performances from previous programs. Thus, giving our new guests the opportunity to enjoy the best moments of previous shows and get into the spirit of the ball along with our regular guests who come to the ball every year!”
The 20th Anniversary Platinum Doge Ball left an indelible impression and amazed those present as never before. Under the leadership of Antonia Sautter, the grandiose preparations for the upcoming event went flawlessly. A fascinating script was written, stage costumes were ready in the workshop, and artists from different countries rehearsed their roles, trying on the images of Eros, Passion and Romance! The atmosphere at Southerland is electric and excitement is running high as everyone on the team is very enthusiastic about the preparations for the ball. Amore, amore, amore... the very atmosphere in which the work took place was saturated with love.You can imagine what a fantastic show awaited the guests!
By the way, some booking agencies offered VIP tickets for as much as 2.5 thousand euros!
Don't miss this tale next time! After all, as Antonia herself says: “Because life is magical...”.
