Standing ovations, moving words, and goosebump moments: at the Semper Opera Ball 2026, three extraordinary personalities took center stage on a night dedicated entirely to the power of art. On February 6, 2026, Iris Berben, Christian Friedel, and Valerie Eickhoff were presented with the CHOROS Award at Dresden's Semper Opera – an honor for voices that move and art that connects. MEISSEN had the privilege of accompanying this special moment and presenting the award sculptures into honorable hands.

Acting icon Iris Berben thrilled the audience not only with her decades of artistic work, but also with an impressive acceptance speech that captivated the hall. As a committed cultural and public figure, she stands for attitude, responsibility, and expressiveness like no other. Christian Friedel, actor and director, was honored for his extraordinary talent for combining intensity and sensitivity—qualities that make him one of the most influential figures in German theater and film. The third CHOROS Award went to mezzo-soprano Valerie Eickhoff, whose voice enchanted the ball guests and impressively demonstrated how music makes emotions immediately tangible.

The CHOROS Award itself symbolizes the heart of the Semper Opera Ball: dance. Its name comes from Greek and means “dance” or “dance floor” – a symbol of movement, community, and dialogue. Dance as the original form of human communication, as an expression of joie de vivre, and as a connecting element between cultures shapes this award and makes it much more than just a prize.