Swiss Gala

In 2023, we brought back this iconic event in a revamped format and under a new name - Swiss Gala. Our Guest of Honor was Severin Hacker, Ph.D. He co-founded Duolingo in 2011 with Luis von Ahn, to help people learn languages. Severin currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Duolingo. He completed his BS in Computer Science at ETH Zurich in 2006 and Ph.D. in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, where he researched large scale human computation. He and Duolingo won several awards and being based in New York City, Severin is a long-term supporter of the Swiss communities and frequently attends events of the Swiss Society of New York.

The Swiss Society of New York recognized Daniele Finzi Pasca, an internationally renowned creator on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Markus Börlin, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street. Daniele is best known for directing the ceremonies of the Torino and Sochi Olympics, as well as three beloved productions for Cirque du Soleil, Corteo, Nebbia and Luzia. In 2019 he and his company created a unique arena production for the Fête des Vignerons, a rare celebration which takes place four times a century in Vevey, recognized by UNESCO on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. A compilation of his work can be viewed here.

The Swiss Society of New York recognized Nico Hischier and Mirco Mueller, two young, top talented Swiss NHL Hockey players of the NJ Devils on Saturday, February 9, 2019. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Markus Börlin, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street. This year's special performance included Swiss Baritone super talent Äneas Humm and Pianist Tomomi Sato, both studying at "The Juilliard School". The Swiss and U.S. National Anthems were performed by Äneas Humm. Besides enjoying fine food, bidding on luxury Swiss products featured in the Silent Auction, the 300 attendees danced the night away to the tunes of the wonderful Paul Errico Orchestra DJ Mike until the early morning hours!

The Swiss Society of New York recognized H.R. Giger, represented by Carmen Giger (widow of the artist), as one of the world’s foremost artists of Fantastic Realism on Saturday, February 3, 2018. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador André Schaller, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street. This year's special performance included Swiss Yodler Toni Zgraggen assisted by guests with the "Talerschwingen". The Swiss and U.S. National Anthems were performed by Julie Margaret. Besides enjoying fine food, bidding on luxury Swiss products featured in the Silent Auction, the 300 attendees danced the night away to the tunes of Dave Levy Band and DJ Nick Marc.

The Swiss Society of New York recognized Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter for his life-time achievements on Saturday, March 4, 2017. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador André Schaller, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street. This year's special performance included Swiss Hackbrettspieler Nicolas Senn and Boogie-Woogie pianist Elias Bernet. Their stellar performance “When Hackbrett meets Boogie Woogie” was a highlight of the evening and earned a big applause by the 300 guests. This years Swiss and U.S. National Anthems were performed by Julie Margaret. Besides enjoying fine food, bidding on luxury Swiss products featured in the Silent Auction, attendees danced the night away to the tunes of Paul Errico Entertainment Orchestra and DJ Ari Rosenfield.

The Swiss Society of New York recognized ICRC for their over 150 years of humanitarian actions on Saturday, February 6, 2016. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador André Schaller, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street. Rolf Soiron, Member of the Assembly of the ICRC accepted the Swiss Society Award on behalf of the ICRC. This year's special performance included the Swiss Alphorn Trio and Alexia Gardner, Swiss Jazz Award Winner, who performed the Swiss and US Anthem as well as “What a wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. 351 guests – a record attendance in the Swiss Society’s history – enjoyed fine food and danced the night away to the tunes of Paul Errico Entertainment Orchestra. View and order photos here:

Swiss Ball 2015 – Guest of Honor Marthe Keller, Swiss Actress and Opera Director. The Swiss Society of New York recognized Marthe Kellers life-time achievements on Saturday, February 7, 2015. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador André Schaller, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the legendary Plaza Hotel. Special appearance by Prix Walo Award winner Sue Mathys. Over 300 guests enjoyed fine food and danced the night away to the tunes of Paul Errico Entertainment Orchestra.

The Swiss Society of New York celebrated 75 years of the Lucerne Festival and paid tribute to Michael Haefliger on Saturday, February 8, 2014. The Swiss Ball, the Swiss Society’s annual fundraiser, was held under the Patronage of Ambassador François Barras, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, at the Pierre Hotel. The Swiss Fellowship Prize, funded by the proceeds of a very successful Silent Auction featuring 38 prizes, went to the students of the Lucerne Festival Academy. This year's Swiss and US National Anthems were performed by Amanda Bollag. 312 guests enjoyed fine food and danced the night away to the tunes of Paul Errico Entertainment Orchestra.

The 2013 Swiss Ball was dedicated in honor of Swiss Photographer Artist Hannes Schmid. He is best known for his unique images of Rockstars and his Fashion shoots. His photographic series of a Cowboy has become an iconic figure known all over the world and has even been appropriated by conceptual artists. Held under the patronage of Ambassador François Barras from the General Consulate of Switzerland in New York, the Ball and Late Night Young Swiss attracted around 300 guests enjoying fine food and dancing the night away to the tunes of Paul Errico Entertainment Orchestra.

The 2012 Swiss Ball was dedicated in honor of Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier. Claude Nicollier is best known for joint ESA and NASA spaceflight missions aboard shuttles Atlantis, Endeavour, Columbia and Discovery, and the repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope (during the Endeavour and Discovery flight missions). Held under the patronage of Ambassador François Barras of the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York, the Ball and Late Night Young Swiss attended in record numbers dancing to the Paul Errico Orchestra and Manhattan City DJ.

The 2011 Swiss Ball was dedicated in honor of Genevan Albert Gallatin on the 250th anniversary of his birthday. Held under the patronage of Ambassador François Barras of the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York, the Ball and Late Night Young Swiss attended in record numbers dancing to the Paul Errico Orchestra and Manhattan City DJ. Guest Speaker Dr. John Sexton, President of New York University, represented one of Mr. Gallatin’s major lasting legacies, the founding of this prestigious university. The silent auction benefited the Swiss Society Fellowship Prize awarded to NYU's Gallatin School.

Over 280 guests attended the Swiss Ball 2010 which was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Christoph Bubb, Consul General of Switzerland in New York. This year's Guest of Honor was Dimitri, Famed Clown, Author, Artist, and Founder of Teatro Dimitri and Scuola Teatro Dimitri. Founder of Big Apple Circus, Paul Binder, interviewed Dimitri. The Swiss Fellowship Prize went to Scuola Teatro Dimitri. The "Late Night for the Young Swiss", a new addition to the Swiss Ball program, was sponsored by Swiss Re. The Silent Auction featured 45 fantastic prizes and was extremely successful. This year's Swiss and US National Anthem was performed by Matthew Goeke (cello) and Yvonne Troxler (piano). Dance music by the Alex Donner Orchestra and DJ Kevin 'Sugar' Shand.

The Swiss Ball was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Christoph Bubb, Consul General of Switzerland in New York with Guest of Honor, Dieter Meier. Dieter Meier is a best known as a musician and conceptual artist who founded electronic music group Yello along with music producer Boris Blank. Frequently called the "Godfather of Techo", his endeavors are not limited to music. He also produces award winning Ojo de Agua organic wines at his winery in Argentina and runs the acclaimed Restaurant Bärengasse in Zürich.

The Swiss Ball was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Christoph Bubb, Consul General of Switzerland in New York. Although unable to attend due to an illness, Henry Haller, former Executive Chef to Five Presidents of the United States, addressed guests via telephone and was warmly applauded for his accomplishments. Special guest appearances were made by Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Claude Nobs. This year's US National Anthem was performed by the International Alphorn Ensemble. The Swiss National Anthem was performed by Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks.

Under the Patronage of Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, Ambassador Urs Ziswyler. Individual special guest performances by Daniel Schyder on saxophone and Sue Mathys singing Edith Piaf. Swiss National Anthem sung by Beat Kaestli accompanied by the Uli Giessendorfer Trio. US National Anthem sung by Melissa Hammons. Dance music by Marvin Austin Orchestra.

Under the Patronage of Consul General of Switzerland to New York, Ambassador Raymond Loretan. Swiss National Anthem sung by Sue Mathys. US National Anthem sung by Michele Halpern. Dance music by Marvin Austin Orchestra.

Guest of Honor Professor Dr. Olaf Kuebler, president of the ETH. Under the Patronage of Consul General of Switzerland to New York, Ambassador Raymond Loretan. “ETH” cake by Petra Hauff. Swiss National Anthem sung by Michel Rolle. US National Anthem sung by Ms. Austin. Dance music by Marvin Austin Orchestra.