A celebration of press freedom

On 24 May 2024, Vienna City Hall was transformed into the venue for the 124th Concordia Ball, at which the media industry, artists and cultural professionals as well as an international ball audience sent an impressive signal for press freedom.

Under the direction of deputy chief conductor Andreas Spörri, the Vienna Opera Ball Orchestra performed the most beautiful melodies by C. M. Ziehrer, F. Lehar and the Strauss dynasty. The world premiere of the "Festive Fanfare for Free Journalism" by Austrian composer Pavel Singer was particularly impressive. This new composition set a powerful accent for the importance of free journalism. (Vienna International News)