On October 26, 2024, the Dresden Schauspielhaus will once again open its doors for the 16th HOPE Gala. This charity event, which has been bringing artists and guests together for years, supports the HOPE Cape Town children's project in South Africa. With a varied show program and a large after-show party, the organizers around Viola Klein not only want to collect donations, but also raise awareness of the difficult living situation of many children in the townships around Cape Town.
A varied show program for a good cause
This year's program of the HOPE Gala promises a lot of variety. The band Bell Book & Candle, who celebrated international success in the 90s with their hit "Rescue Me", will be performing. But new musical guests are also set to create a buzz: Anna Ermakowa from London will present her latest studio album "Behind Blue Eyes", which has caused a media sensation. Her interpretations of important songs promise to be a highlight of the evening.
Also on stage will be jazz and soul icons Pat Appleton and Karl Frierson, who will perform as solo artists, but also together with Rolf Stahlhofen, known from the Söhne Mannheims. Stahlhofen received the HOPE Award last year for his involvement in the "Water is Right" project. This year, he returns as a musician to inspire the audience with his music.
Traditional acts and visual highlights
As every year, the 16th HOPE Gala will focus on promoting young talent. The 11-year-old Erika Tanase, known from "The Voice Kids", will perform the song "Rise like a Phoenix", which Conchita herself sang at the HOPE Gala in 2017. Another highlight will be the performance of the musical workshop "Oh-TÖNE" from Dresden, which will inspire both young and adult voices on stage.
The variety act "Mirror", in which four artists perform in futuristic costumes that are completely covered in mirrors, will provide a visual wow effect. These reflect the light in a fascinating way and transform the stage into a sparkling spectacle. In addition to music and singing, visual impressions are also offered that amaze the audience.
Hosting with double the female power
This year, the gala evening will be hosted by a well-rehearsed duo: Karen Heinrichs, known from SAT.1 Frühstücksfernsehen, and Andrea Ballschuh, who has been a member of the HOPE Gala Board of Trustees for many years. Heinrichs has already hosted the gala in the past, while Ballschuh has visited the HOPE Cape Town project on site several times and can therefore provide deep insights into the organization's work.
Together, the two presenters will guide the guests through the evening and not only present the extensive show program, but also accompany the fundraising campaign. The proceeds from the event will go directly to the work of HOPE Cape Town, which is committed to providing health care and education for children and young people in the townships around Cape Town.
Aftershow party under a sky of lights
After the gala is before the party: this year, the aftershow party will once again take place on the large stage of the Schauspielhaus, where guests can celebrate under a light blue, starry sky. The party band Flo & Chris will provide the musical accompaniment before Gitta Sax, once a Playmate and now a DJ, continues to heat up the atmosphere with her beats.
Famous Dresden restaurants and cafés will provide culinary delights, offering a wide selection of food and drinks. The gala is supported by many local partners who are donating their working hours and resources to support the HOPE Cape Town project. The donations from the raffle and an online auction will also go towards the project.
Background: The HOPE Cape Town project
HOPE Cape Town was founded in 2001 to support children suffering from AIDS in South Africa. Today, the organization pursues a holistic approach that focuses on education and social support in addition to health care. With numerous projects in the townships around Cape Town, HOPE Cape Town is committed to improving the living conditions of children and young people.
HOPE-Gala Dresden has been one of the largest single donors for 15 years and has collected over 2.5 million euros to support the work on the ground. The donations not only help with medical care, but also with educational projects and the strengthening of self-help initiatives, such as the "garden project", in which families grow vegetables and learn more about healthy eating.
