Austrian entrepreneur Richard Lugner makes headlines every year by inviting celebrities to the Opera Ball. It was not this year too.
Lugner's special guests at the 56th Opera Ball Thursday night were former James Bond actor Roger Moore and Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen.
Nielsen, the former wife of action star Sylvester Stallone, and top model Helena Christensen were invited at the ball. Former German tennis great, Boris Becker and ex-foot balling compatriot Lothar Matthaus also made their first appearance.
Enjoy some moments of the grand ball here.
Dancers of the Young Ladies' and Gentlemen's Committee perform during the opening ceremony at the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersA general view of the Vienna State Opera House during the traditional Opernball, or Opera Ball, in ViennareutersClassical music and opera can help reduce blood pressure, suggests a new study. reutersAustrian businessman Richard Lugner poses with Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen and British actor Roger Moore (L-R) ahead of the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna, February 16, 2012.reutersOfficials and their guests pose during the traditional Opera Ball (Opernball) in Vienna, February 16, 2012. (L-R) State opera director Dominique Meyer, Margit Fischer, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, his wife Yoo Soon-taek, soprano singer Angela Gheorghiu, Austrian President Heinz Fischer, Opera Ball organizer Desiree Treichl, her husband Andreas Treichl. reutersActress Melles sits in her box in the state opera during the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersBallerina Karina Sarkissova sits in her box at the Vienna State Opera House during the traditional Opernball in Vienna.reutersFormer German soccer player Matthaeus and his girlfriend Tuczynska arrive at the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersMargit Fischer, Austrian President Heinz Fischer, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his wife Yoo Soon-taek pose as they arrive at the traditional Opera Ball (Opernball) in Vienna, February 16, 2012.reutersDancers from the Young Ladies' Committee get ready prior to the opening ceremony at the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersMembers of the opening committe enter the dance floor during the opening ceremony of the traditional Opera Ball (Opernball) in Vienna.reutersDancers of the state opera ballet perform during the opening ceremony of the traditional Opernball in Vienna.reutersDancers of the state opera ballet perform during the opening ceremony of the traditional Opera Ball (Opernball) in Vienna.reutersDancers of the state opera ballett perform during the opening ceremony of the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersSoprano singer Gheorghiu performs during the opening ceremony of the traditional Opera Ball in Vienna.reutersA general view of the state opera as guests dance during the traditional Opernball in Vienna.reuters