GALAS OPEN GRAND SEASON FOR SYMPHONY AND OPERA
Pomp, feathers, fun and bodacious ball gowns ruled the red carpet at the recent grand opening-night galas for the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera.
Oh, and there was excellent, exciting music, as well — Symphony maestro Michael Tilson
Thomas celebrated his 20th year as leader of the band at Davies Hall with Bonnie Raitt and pianist Yuja Wang.
Two nights later at the Opera House, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky thrilled first-nighters in a new production of Bellini’s masterpiece, “Norma,” under the baton of Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti.
And both of these sold-out soirees benefited the Symphony and Opera’s free music-education programs that serve tens of thousands of Bay Area students.
“I want everyone to have a great time,” exclaimed SFS Gala chairwoman Lisa Goldman. “We’ve got a balloon drop in the hall, a red carpet with photo ops for everyone, candy jars in the post-party cabanas and awesome dance bands.”
But she really hit her mark in the Blueprint Studios-designed Patrons’ Tent: Just as deeppocketed diners were digging into individual Baked Alaska desserts (a precision McCalls Catering feat for 860 guests), a flash mob of waiter-clad dancers erupted in the aisle and got their groove on to a James
Brown- classical music mix. “Lisa hit the ball out of the park in creating a night full of surprises,” said Symphony President Sako Fisher. “Just like MTT has filled our Symphony hall with numerous musical surprises. Seeing young musicians like Yuja, in her cool platform shoes, you realize this is the next generation of artists. And Michael ismoving that game forward.”
As the crowd headed out to Grove Street for the hopping post-party (and brava, Libby
Leffler!), we wondered if there was a most significant moment amid Thomas’ tenure.
“I’m so grateful for this evolution of new, wonderful experiences with inspirational people and influences all around me,” he enthused. “But I’ve never thought about the Symphony with a length of time or tenure. What I do know is how lucky I am to be in San Francisco.”
Over in the Rotunda of City Hall, gala Opera guests goosed the glamour quotient in a peacock’s parade of major couture.
Mingling amid the Romanesque splendor (winged lions, Legionnaires, dramatic Got Light illuminations) created by designer J. Riccardo Benavides (with Opera Ball chairwomen
Teresa Medearis and Cynthia Schreuder), 800 guests threaded their way around cascading trains, bustles and big jewels. And while Sonya Molodetskaya dazzled in a one-of-akind Vasily Vein creation, Oscar de la Renta ruled the couture roost for many swans.
“I’m delighted Boaz ( Mazor) is my date tonight,” enthused Fine Arts Museums President
Dede Wilsey, of the dashing de la Renta exec. “Because he’s able to adjust my Oscar's handpainted gold feathers, which are very ticklish. Somewhere, some poor chicken is rather chilly.”
Following a masterful McCall’s meal, guests sashayed over to the Opera House where, prior to curtains-up, guests were welcomed by Opera Board Chairman John Gunn, Opera Director David Gockley and board President Keith Geeslin.
Thanking their generous patrons who fund this monumental and très cher art form, Gunn briefly paused to contain his emotion.
“I want to recognize Nicola, the orchestra and all the people behind the scenes who make each season succeed,” he declared. “In our 92nd season, you will experience a presentation of the artistry that makes opera so very special.” SFJazz impresario Randall
Kline, who hews to a decidedly divergent beat, agreed.
“The languages of our music is different; jazz is much more stripped down,” he observed. “But when you hear these amazing, operatic voices, it’s like an arrow to the soul.”