San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
@MissBigelow
Social season opens with dramatic galas, and some firsts.
Arriving at the San Francisco Symphony Gala last week, major Democratic donor Susie Tompkins Buell was disheartened, having just read the unsigned New York Times op-ed about the president: “This is a real test.”
“I think Susie is being polite,” said her husband, Mark Buell, with a laugh. “Thankfully we live in San Francisco, God’s country.”
But anticipating the gala’s sublime music conducted by her pal, S.F. Symphony maestro Michael Tilson Thomas, Mrs. Buell brightened.
“Michael’s music always makes me feel better,” she said. “And it achieves just what it’s supposed to: Music lifts up our spirits.”
So began Hell Week, the annual bacchanal of almost back-to-back galas for opening seasons of the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera attended by thousands of arts supporters. And what a week it was: a glamorous swirl of high art, merriment, a flurry of air kisses mixed with fabulous fashions or sartorial curiosities, bold-faced names, refreshed faces and, bless ’em, meticulous service and delectable menus from the crack McCalls Catering crew.
Longtime Symphony trustee James Hormel and his husband, Michael Nguyen-Hormel, led the Symphony’s 107th season parade as gala co-chairs.
While it’s an open secret that event leaders don’t always see eye to eye, the Hormels were harmonious in their organization and matching Alexander McQueen tuxedos, joyfully embellished with embroidered pink roses.
That a same-sex, married couple chaired such a high-profile society event also heralded a crash of the rainbow ceiling breaking open.
“Yet that’s so much in keeping with the nature of the Symphony’s artistic and community efforts,” noted Michael Nguyen-Hormel. “The Symphony is a forward-thinking, innovative organization that’s in tune with contemporary sensibilities. But at the same time, this is a first, so it’s very special for us.”
Another first: After-party chairwoman Catherine Geeslin, 27, is the youngest to organize that fete and also a “legacy,” who learned well from her mom, former Symphony gala chairwoman Priscilla
Geeslin.
“I’m so happy Catherine wants to be a part of this. She put so much work in her theme, engaging Hayes Valley restaurants and bars to provide guests with treats from places like Smuggler’s Cove or Monsieur Benjamin,” Priscilla Geeslin said. “I think she’s a better chair than I was!”
That neighborhood theme was a natural for Catherine, a graduate of French American International School on Oak Street near Davies Hall.
“Hayes Valley has changed so much over the years. And that’s the first place friends who’ve moved here for the tech boom look for an apartment,” she explained. “So for the post-party, I was inspired to shine a light on area establishments.”
Her beau, comic book writer Frank Gogol, was inspired, too.
“This summer we attended the Opera’s ‘Ring Cycle,’ which was illustrated by graphic novelist P. Craig Russell,” noted Gogol. “So I’ve been thinking, in the comics world this kind of event is definitely an untapped subject.”
As we marveled at the wall of graband-go Johnny Doughnuts (and yes, we nibbled a chocolate sprinkle, too), we bumped into guest Matt Wilson, who was attending his inaugural Symphony gala.
“This is a fun, vibrant experience,” said the 35-year-old Bay Area founder of Alamo Equities. “But with our schools losing so much funding for music education, tonight’s aspect of supporting the Symphony’s free music education programs is really crucial, too, keeping arts alive for students.”
Viva la diva: A buzz bounced off the grand marble foyer in the War Memorial Opera House at the 96th season-opener as Opera Ball guests were dazzled by soprano Carmen Giannattasio, the elegant embodiment of an operatic diva who makes her company debut next month in “Tosca.”
As S.F. Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock welcomed the sold-out house, he heaped praise on all practitioners of this herculean art form.
“Tonight is a celebration of transformative art in our community, and opera is the great collective art form,” he enthused. “I want to recognize everyone who comes together to tell these powerful stories of humanity: the artists, artisans, technicians, administrators and you, the audience. I’m deeply grateful for the role you all play.”
Hosted by the S.F. Opera Guild, this swanky soiree was led by ball chairwomen Kathy Huber and Shannon Cronan with Guild President Jane Mudge.
Event designer J. Riccardo Benavides expertly expressed the “Viva la Noche!” theme in the ball dinner tent that transformed from Argentinian-inspired elegance to a rollicking milonga post-party replete with a smoldering Argentine tango lounge.
Swans responded in kind, too, donning voluminous gowns, rock ‘n’ roll red
(Sonya Molodetskaya in her snazzy Zac Posen opera coat), big guns jewelry (Opera Opening-weekend Grand Sponsor Dede Wilsey dazzling in her Harry Winston ruby-and-diamond parure), exotic headpieces (brava to Mary Beth Shimmon on her bold Martin Cuadra headpiece) or exotic floral headbands (brava, also, to Komal Shah in her Ken Fulk-designed crown) and trailing trains of tulle.
Even in the midst of this splendor, the Opera is already planning its 2022 centennial season.
“This season will demonstrate why opera is such a compelling, entertaining, emotionally thrilling art form,” said Opera Board chairman John Gunn from the stage. “You’re a wonderful audience and I want to make sure you stay healthy because our 100th season is coming soon. So stay away from the fast foods and the bacon.”