The JKU Ball “New Horizons”: An Inspirational Fusion of Art and Science

3,300 guests partied at the annual JKU Ball.

2020 JKU Ball.
2020 JKU Ball.

From artificial intelligence to new cures for cancer - the future will bring countless challenges and opportunities. The JKU set out on a mission at the annual JKU Ball at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to cross horizons, spanning from scientific curiosity to artistic excellence.

3,300 ball guests embarked on a journey of discovery, marveling at the start of the event to the sounds of "Interstellar" by legendary Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer (played by the JKU University Orchestra under the direction of conductor Christian Radner), and live visual effects by the Ars Electronica Center. Artistic choreography by dancers from the Anton Bruckner Private University accompanied the musical performance.

Opening remarks were held by Rector Meinhard Lukas together with Brigitte Hütter (Rector, Linz University of Art & Design), Gerald Bast (Rector, University of Applied Arts Vienna), and Gerfried Stocker (artistic director of the Ars Electronica Festival). JKU Rector Lukas emphasized the importance of ‘fusing’ art and science to find answers for the future. He added: "We firmly believe that the future must creatively reflect and shape society’s interests." Following the opening remarks, the traditional Austrian "Alles Walzer" could be heard, officially opening the ball.

The midnight show "Into the Light" was a very special dance performance by a unique LED Mapping Showman, merging machine and technology into a unique choreographed performance. Fast-paced, playful, and above all: spectacular!

Music in the Stifter Saal was provided by JKU professors playing their favorite beats under the motto "Your Prof is Your DJ". The robots took over in the wee hours as Tripods One by Moritz Simon Geist provided everyone with a futuristic robot-electro-sound performance. Guests danced and partied until the early morning hours.

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