Michael Balich masterminded the 2006 Turin Opening Ceremony which featured Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Bruni and Sophia Loren amongst the cast.  

"The handing over of the Flag from China to Italy will take place during the Closing Ceremony through a Balich Wonder Studio show, and will give an important statement to the world," promised Milan Cortina 2026 in a short video sequence on Instagram.

"Mark your calendars for February 20, we will be ready to amaze you!"

Balich will work with artistic director Lida Castelli for the segment.

In June 2019, Balich also directed the promotional video as part of the bid presentation to the International Olympic Committee Session in Lausanne when Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo was chosen as hosts, beating its only rival Stockholm. 

The performance by the future host city has become an important tradition since the exchange of the traditional Winter Handover flag was switched to the Closing Ceremony for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. 

The Winter Handover Flag had been presented by Oslo after the 1952 Winter Olympic Games and had previously been exchanged at the Opening Ceremony.

The last Italian city to receive it was Turin 20 years ago in Salt Lake City.

Balich produced the segment which concluded with the popular Italian song Volare, and said organisers "created great expectations".

He has been involved with the creative team at 14 Olympic Ceremonies, including the Closing Ceremony and Paralympic Ceremonies at Sochi 2014. 

Balich was also in charge for the 2019 Universiade Ceremonies in Naples, the last major multi-sport event held in Italy.