Rick Astley opened the Opera Ball that launched the entire ball season

This year’s ball season in Slovakia has been kicked off with the 15th Opera Ball at the Slovak National Theatre’s (SND) historical Opera House in the Hviezdoslavovo Square in Bratislava on January 10. The ball itself was opened by British singer and composer Rick Astley in what was actually the first time that a male celebrity had been given the role. The event stuck with a female host, however, with actress Monika Hilmerová presenting this year. The ball brings together the crème de la crème of Slovak public and political life, culture and show-business. Speaking to Slovak journalists, Astley said that he was happy to accept an invitation to give a performance at ball. He added that while he has performed in a variety of venues, opportunities to perform at a ball are rare.