Sustainable Elegance and Culinary Art

Green Events in the Spotlight at the Opernredoute 2025
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
20. January 2025 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
20. January 2025
|
Alexandra Gorsche

When the Graz Opera opens its doors to the 24th Opernredoute on January 25, 2025, the focus will not only be on glamour and sophistication but also on a strong awareness of sustainability. Under the theme “Moonstruck,” elegance, magical ambiance, and environmentally conscious concepts merge this year to create a unique experience.

Sustainability as the Event's Guiding Principle

In 2025, the Opernredoute sets new standards by combining traditional ball culture with forward-thinking ideas. From regional ingredients in the culinary offerings to energy-efficient lighting design – every detail has been meticulously planned to minimize the ecological footprint.

One example is the collaboration with local producers. In the Moonlight Bar, designed by set decorator Mignon Ritter, guests can enjoy not only a spectacular setting featuring a three-dimensional moon and wolf figures but also drinks that highlight regional ingredients. The signature drink "Moon Berry" combines the flavors of Organics Purple Berry and Lillet, representing the harmonious blend of indulgence and sustainability.

Culinary Art with a Conscience

The Opernredoute 2025 is dedicated to sustainable gastronomy. Local and seasonal ingredients form the basis of the exquisite dishes offered at various gourmet stations. A standout concept is the "1001 Oasis" restaurant, serving international dishes such as oriental chickpea curry – always with a focus on regional quality.

Sustainability also takes center stage in the beverage selection. The wine bar powered by Morandell offers an exclusive range of regional wines, while the year’s special pilsner from Reininghaus delights beer enthusiasts. Partnerships with local businesses underscore the commitment to promoting regional value creation while delivering a premium offering.

Dance, Music, and a Sustainable Atmosphere

The musical highlight of the night, the Midnight Show, remains a closely guarded secret. However, it’s certain to enchant guests while creatively showcasing the themes of the evening – magic and sustainability.

The newly designed Moonlight Bar and Moulin Rouge offer not only musical diversity – from vinyl tracks to Cuban rhythms – but also spaces that invite conscious enjoyment. Sustainable materials and reusable decorative elements emphasize the environmentally friendly character of the venues.

Our Conclusion for the Future

The Opernredoute 2025 makes a bold statement: traditional events can be glamorous while remaining responsible. The combination of regional gastronomy, sustainable design, and an impressive artistic program demonstrates that green events are not only possible but also inspiring.

The question that remains is: how can this model be transferred to other events? The Opernredoute 2025 provides a blueprint for sustainable event planning – a concept that enriches the present while pointing the way forward.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!

Book tip: Forgotten Heroines

Women Who Make History

History is often a matter of perspective. Forgotten Heroines by Stefanie von Wietersheim shifts precisely this perspective – calmly, thoroughly and with great narrative power. The book brings together portraits of women who were pioneers, visionaries and trailblazers, yet whose achievements are scarcely embedded in the collective memory. Not because they were insignificant, but because history has long been told selectively.

Stefanie von Wietersheim traces the life stories of these women with journalistic precision and narrative depth. She tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, who was not only a film icon but also played a part in developing the technology on which today’s Bluetooth connections are based. She also profiles political figures, social pioneers and creative minds from the worlds of art, fashion and advertising – such as the woman who coined the legendary slogan ‘I love New York’ and thereby redefined city marketing.

INFO
Forgotten Heroines – Women Who Made History
Author: Stefanie von Wietersheim
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2789-3
Price: €29.95 (Germany) / €30.80 (Austria) / CHF 40.50
Publication date: 2025

Book tip: The Chemistry of Baking

Knowledge that provides reassurance

Baking is all about precision – and this is precisely where The Chemistry of Baking comes in. Nicola Lamb explains not only how to make something work, but above all why. Sound scientific knowledge meets the practical realities of baking, presented in an accessible way and free from kitchen myths. From flour, sugar, eggs and fat right through to common mistakes with ganache, sponge cake or custard: this book provides confidence through understanding.

Over 100 recipes, organised by time required, put theory into practice – from quick projects to ambitious classics. A book that takes away the fear of failure and makes baking understandable as a craft that can be learnt. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know exactly what really happens in the oven.

INFO
The Chemistry of Baking
Author: Nicola Lamb
Publisher: Edition Michael Fischer / EMF Verlag
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7459-2936-2
Price: €35.00 (DE), €36.00 (AT)
Publication date: September 2025

Book tip: A Guest in Rome

Discovering the flavours of the city

The best way to discover Rome is through its food. A Guest in Rome is less a traditional cookbook than a culinary stroll through the city – guided by Stefan Maiwald and brought to life visually by Andrea Di Lorenzo. Between antipasti and dolci, Roman cuisine unfolds as a living culture: authentic, unpretentious and deeply rooted.

Alongside iconic recipes such as cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana and saltimbocca, the book opens doors to hidden trattorias, markets and cafés that lie far off the beaten track. Anecdotes, historical context and precise insider tips make it clear why food in Rome is always about identity too. A book that combines travel and cuisine – and inspires you to experience Rome with all your senses, whether you’re there or at home.

INFO
A Guest in Rome
Author: Stefan Maiwald
Photography: Andrea Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2822-7
Price: €45.00
Publication date: September 2025

quick & dirty
The ballroom © Kanizaj Photography
Sustainable Elegance and Culinary Art

When the Graz Opera opens its doors to the 24th Opernredoute on January 25, 2025, the focus will not only be on glamour and sophistication but also on a strong awareness of sustainability. Under the theme “Moonstruck,” elegance, magical ambiance, and environmentally conscious concepts merge this year to create a unique experience.