In December, during the press conference by "Ballmutti" Vice-Honorary Consul Prof. Birgit Sarata also revealed a long-kept secret. The ZuckerBäckerball celebrity cake will go to Daniela Fally, one of the most in-demand contemporary opera singers in 2020. The Lower Austrian sings soprano in the most difficult coloratura. She will also give a vocal performance at the ball.

Fally gets the celebrity cake, a delicious treat selected and prepared by the confectioner. The presentation will take place during the midnight performance in the ballroom. We asked Daniela Fally a few questions.

Have you ever been to the ZuckerBäckerball?

Daniela Fally: Definitely, I've loved the ZuckerBäckerball since my youth and in my student years and I have been as a guest many times. I like that the ball is popular with young people. It's a wonderful and beautifully decorated ball that offers the opportunity to try numerous delicious treats. The ZuckerBäckerball has a very special charm, which is why it is so popular - with young and old, from near and far. If I don't have a rehearsal the next day, I can allow myself to stay up a little later that evening…

Are you singing at a ball for the first time?

Daniela Fally: Not at all - I've sung at balls a lot, and I do always like it. This season, the ZuckerBäckerball is the only ball that I perform at and I enjoy singing in the course of the opening. Furthermore, I'm already looking forward to the various delicacies that can be tasted at the ball – it's all very tempting. I will be on the dance floors a lot to burn those calories that I am certain to digest. But not only because of that; I love to dance. All five dance floors must be experienced and at a later hour the disco. A bit like eating where you should always sample a bit of everything.

What can the guests expect to hear from you at the opening?

Daniela Fally: There are two songs, but I still want to keep them secret. I only reveal so much: a song comes from the classical area - a coloratura waltz - and there is also a very well-known number from a musical.

Have you ever received a cake as an award?

Daniela Fally: No, I've never had that and it's a great honour. Sometimes I have been given a Sachertorte on certain occasions - but I never got a cake that is prepared personally according to my wishes. Although I'm still thinking about what I want. I generally like chocolate cakes, for example, the Sacher cake base, but also "light" cakes. I know for sure what I don't like to eat, for example, a cake doesn't have to have cream or it won't come with poppy seeds either. In addition, I gave up nuts as a singer because they are bad for breathing and is not good for my voice. Apart from that, I actually like everything. At midnight at balls, I always snack to replenish my energy; the cake comes as it should. I hope I don't eat the whole night away. I'm really looking forward to it!

(Foto © Sepp Gallauer)