The recession in Austria has resulted in the cancellation of many Opera Ball reservations by a number of prominent citizens.

The magazine Format has reported the cancellations in its current edition. In response, Opera Ball organizer Desiree Treichl-Stürgkh has said times are tough but the Ball is sold out despite the cancellations. They include one by her husband, Erste Bank chief Andreas Treichl.

Treichl-Stürgkh did not deny there had been many cancellations. She said: "Some firms have returned their loges, and many have invited fewer guests. That has given others a chance to attend the Ball they would otherwise not have had. Who will sit where is not my business. It is not my job to pressure a general director of a business to attend the Ball."

Ball is advertisement for Austria

Treichl-Stürgkh added it didn’t make economic sense to boycott the Ball. "That will only result in loss of revenue by the hair-dressing, gastronomy, clothing and other sectors who cater to Ball attendees. The Ball is an advertisement for Austria," she said.

Vienna construction czar Richard Lugner, who has traditionally invited a female celebrity to the Ball as his special guest, shares Treichl-Stürgkh’s view.

Lugner said a refusal to attend the Ball was "nonsense. We are in an economic crisis and need the Ball as an advertisement. If no one goes to the Ball, the economy will collapse. That won’t help anyone."

The Opera Ball will take place on February 19 at the State Opera in Vienna.