The History

Manfred Pasenau

Since over 25 years Manfred

Pasenau successfully organized

the German Opera ball.

In 1981, when Frankfurt’s Alte Oper was reopened to the public after elaborate restoration of the war-damaged building, there were great ambitions – it was to be a theatre for everyone.

The general manager at the time had set his targets high. The “International Opera Ball” was modelled on the Viennese event, and a countess organised the first balls in  traditional Vienna Opera Ball style. This proved rather difficult for Frankfurt. Dance schools practiced the entrance of the debutantes – but this simply wasn’t a tradition and didn’t ever become one.

The appointment of Dr. Rudolf Sailer to the directorship brought new life into the ball. Manfred Pasenau, responsible up to then for the Joseph Neckermann Sports Ball, was engaged to organise the Frankfurt Ball – which has since been renamed the German Opera Ball.

  • Helmut Kohl
  • Alain Delon
  • Catharine Deneuve
  • Gérard Depardieu
  • Roger Moore
  • Gina Lollobrigida
  • Ornella Muti
  • Larry Hagman
 

Pasenau wanted to assert his own style from the very beginning. No cutaways, no waltzes-to-the-left. Only dinner jackets. Lively, cheerful, but elegant too, with reduced prices for young people. This concept of a mix of ordinary people and celebrities has proved a continuous success.So that’s what the ball is about – the joy of anticipation of this gala event, dressing up and enjoying the atmosphere. It is a flourishing event: guests pour in from all over Germany and abroad to experience its special flair. Around a thousand people are involved in working for the show, long beforehand and on the night itself. Technicians, interior decorators, caterers, artists and many more behind-the-scenes personnel all contribute to creating this magical evening.

Manfred Pasenau has staged the ball at his own risk since 1993. It certainly can’t be described as a truly profitable endeavour, especially if the high quality is to be maintained. And that, of course, is obligatory.

The ball contributes to Frankfurt’s image and is extremely well represented in all media. A recent analysis has shown that 110 million people will read about the German Opera Ball, which is decisive proof of its enduring popularity. Long may it continue.

Manfred Pasenau
- Organiser -