In the midst of a farcical New Years’ Eve ball, a moment of calm begins when a glass of champagne is raised. Between intrigues, mind games, and silly accents, the mood turns reflective, the raucous calms, and a lilting paean to togetherness, intimacy and loyalty is sung. The intention, in Johann Strauss‘s Die Fledermaus, is ironic — the moment is fleeting, the tone is whistful, and how can all these characters in disguise truly pledge devotion when so many of them are lying to each other? But what better sentiment can we embrace as the year ends then to hope, often against against hope, for peace and love in a world of chaos? Here’s to a moment of perfect calm in your parties, my friends. Immerzu!

Here’s a performance from London, where the toast is lead by Benjamin Luxon, Doris Soffel, Kiri Te Kanawa and Hermann Prey.