The opera held a glamorous masked ball in the baroque splendor of City Hall
Words by DIANE DORRANS SAEKS
Flaunting plumed masks and jeweled headpieces of silvery splendor, guests entered the gilded filigree portals of City Hall on Friday, September 6, for a night of revelry honoring the 102nd opening night of San Francisco Opera. The carnival-style masked theme was inspired by the evening’s presentation, Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, which has a libretto featuring a dramatic 18th-century masked ball.
“Tonight is a night of creativity, artistry, and beauty as we honor our many beloved patrons,” said general director Matthew Shilvock. John and Cynthia Gunn were praised as especially creative long-time patrons. In their honor, San Francisco Opera chorus sang a rousing rendition of Verdi’s Anvil Chorus as many guests applauded and cheered.
“It’s thrilling to see dear friends looking so glamorous,” said designer Suzanne Tucker. “I first attended San Francisco Opera in the ’80s, when I founded my firm, and I have always found it inspiring artistically and creatively.”
Tucker was looking forward to the evening’s opera, with its elegant stylized neoclassical sets by Federica Parolini. Elaborate period costumes, including black-and-white gowns for the masked ball scene, were created by Silvia Aymonino, originally for the Royal Swedish Opera.
Dede Wilsey, who sponsored the opening night weekend, spent the summer in Newport and Napa Valley greeting fellow patrons Jack Calhoun and Trent Norris. She looked striking in a pale Oscar de la Renta gown, with a Harry Winston necklace of matchbox-size emeralds and diamonds, matching pendant earrings, and an emerald-and-diamond bracelet. “I thought I’d bring out the big guns,” she said, as Nancy and Paul Pelosi arrived at her table. “It’s a very special evening for San Francisco.”
Alexis Traina, meanwhile, spent the summer at the new family compound by architect Michael Imber in Los Cabos, overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Ever the creative entrepreneur, she also launched new collaborations with Ken Fulk and Plum Sykes for HiNote, her communications app.
Mary Beth Shimmon, in a Hepburnesque black trapeze gown by Monique Lhuiller, was excited about the new season. “Music director Eun Sun Kim has planned a very compelling season, including Tristan and Isolde, Carmen, and La Bohème,” she said. “I can’t wait.” sfopera.com.
September 13, 2024
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