The Venetian connection
Inside Houston Grand Opera’s opulent masquerade ball
Those who follow the international social calendar know that the New York swans partied at the annual “Save Venice” masquerade ball last week. Here in Houston, Saturday evening’s 2017 Opera Ball: “Carnevale di Venezia” presented a rare opportunity for Southern belles to get in on the Italian masquerade action, too.
Proud Texans used the white-tie occasion to rep local talent on the red carpet. Bob and
Janice McNair tapped designer David Peck to create their bespoke masks. Kendall and
Chris Hanno scooped up custom, animal-inspired looks from Forty Five Ten, the Dallas-based boutique that now has an outpost in River Oaks District. Vivian Wise, in a Dior gown, was escorted by her jeweler, Franco Valobra. Alex Blair arrived on the arm
of Jonathan Blake, the crafty young man behind her fairytale frock.
With the help of Carnevale characters and a 10-foot marionette, event chairs Zane and Brady
Carruth welcomed 420 patrons to the Wortham Theater Center.
Harry’s Bar bellinis, velvet tapestries and an astrological clock tower painted a scene reminiscent of the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. Houston Grand Opera Studio’s distinguished soprano Albina Shagimuratova performed “Jadwiga’s Waltz” and “Solivei” while dinnergoers feasted
on jumbo lump crab meat, bracciolini of beef and tiramisu. Afterward, an impressive crowd gathered for a dance-party fueled by Big Blast and the Party Masters.
A late-night crowd powered through until 2 a.m. — thanks in part to street food and gelato carts — at the encore after-party, chaired by Carrie and Sverre
Brandsberg-Dahl .DJ Whitney Fierce manned the turntables, including one very special track, “Mueve la colita,” which incited a flash mob.
The Carruths helped raise $1.75 million for HGO’s programming and community outreach. One festive gondolier, whose costume included a boat, weaved in and out of the dance floor —more than happy to help supporters celebrate the feat.
What happens in Venice sometimes makes its way to Houston.