September 23, 2011

Atlanta Opera Ball

High Notes for Fall’s First Soiree

Photos by Jim Fitts and Tim Wilkerson

This year’s Opera Ball lived up to its “Indulge Your Senses” theme with a gorgeous crowd, décor, meal and, of course, impressive singing

Bill Torres, Co-Chair Merry and Chris Carlos, Jack Sawyer

The VIPs

Co-chairs Merry Carlos and Cathy Cooper, Atlanta Opera music director Arthur Fagen, Zurich General Director Dennis Hanthorn, and the evening’s honoree, Chorus Master Walter Huff

The Venue

The St Regis Atlanta in Buckhead

The Scene Makers

Opera patrons ushered in the fall social season in their best finery for this black-tie fete. Among the crowd: Marlene Alexander, Jane Dean, Heather and Eli Flint, Calvin Fong, Kristen and Duncan Gibbs, Corrie Johnson, Marilyn Krone, Tom and Jada Loveless, Rick Anthony Bonner, Elizabeth Morgan Speigel, Jack Sawyer and Bill Torres, Dot Stoller, Doug Weiss, Christan Wojcik, Dawn Worthey.

Brad Champion and Co-Chair Cathy Cooper

The Highlights

The St. Regis Astor ballroom was sparkling with beautiful décor, tablescapes and white floral arrangements in tall, silver candelabras, worthy of an Edith Wharton novel, courtesy of Tony Brewer and Company. After a champagne reception and silent auction, guests feasted on an elegant dinner with musical interludes by dance band The American Flyers. This year’s honoree, the Atlanta Opera Chorus also performed special selections, including a lovely male duet from The Pearl Fishers, a “Summertime” solo from Porgy & Bess and a selection from the Opera’s season opener Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti. A live auction and dancing followed the musical interludes into the late night.

The Menu

First course: Carpaccio of Beets , Lychee, Gorgonzola and Roasted Macadamia Nuts with Minus-8 Maple Viniagrette

Second Course: Herb Marinated Beef Filet with Port Wine Sauce, Seared Grouper with Lemon Beurre Blanc, Pancetta and Radicchio Risotto and Roasted Baby Vegetables

Third Course: Gateaux de St. Honoree with Fresh Raspberries

A couple dancing at the ball

The Cause

Proceeds from the night benefitted Atlanta Opera, one of this city’s cultural gems.

The Sponsors

Gold: Chris and Merry Carlos, Ruthie Rollins, Fidelity Bank, St. Regis Atlanta, Wilmington Trust. Silver: Eric S. Barr Jewelry, Alex and Joanne Gross, Darrell J. Mays, Carol and Jorge Pisarello, KPMG, Moroccan Oil, Tony Brewer and Company. Bronze: Laura and Montague Boyd, Cathy Cooper and Brad Champion, Candy and Greg Johnson.

The Curtain Call

Atlanta Opera’s 2011-2012 season begins with the opening of Lucia de Lammermoor Nov. 12, the adaptation of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, The Golden Ticket, on March 3, and the opening of Don Giovanni on April 28. Visit www.atlantaopera.org for ticket