On the warm and balmy evening of September 6, 2024, the San Francisco Opera kicked off its 102nd season with a spectacular flourish at the Opera Ball 2024: The Masked Ball.
Co-hosted by the San Francisco Opera Guild, this gala event not only celebrated the commencement of a new opera season but also honored the long-standing commitment of John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn to the art form.
The evening was a remarkable blend of elegance, philanthropy, and world class performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco’s City Hall and the renowned War Memorial Opera House.
The evening commenced with a lavish cocktail reception at 5 p.m. in the opulent halls of City Hall, where approximately 600 guests donned in their most fashionable attire mingled amid the grandeur of one of San Francisco’s architectural jewels.
The atmosphere was electric, and the guest list read like a who’s who of the cultural elite. Notable attendees included Opera Ball Honorary Chair Diane B. Wilsey, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Opera President Jack Calhoun among a host of influential figures from various sectors, including corporate, political, and charitable leaders.
The dynamic duo of Romana D. Bracco and Valerie Crane Dorfman co-chaired the event, skillfully guiding the evening’s festivities while embodying the spirit of community and support for the arts. Their leadership set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
One of the evening’s highlights was the heartfelt tribute to John and Cynthia Fry Gunn, whose extraordinary generosity has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco Opera’s success over the years.
As John stepped down from his role as Chair of the Opera Board after 16 years, the tribute film showcased their profound impact on the institution, highlighting their significant contributions that have helped propel San Francisco to the forefront of the opera world.
Guests were treated to a special performance of the overture to Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, conducted by Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim, further enriching the evening’s tapestry of music and celebration. The Gunns’ legacy is a testament to the power of philanthropy in the arts, and their dedication continues to inspire future generations of opera lovers.
Dianna Cavagnaro of Z’est La Vie LLC, masterminded the design of the evening, transforming City Hall into a dreamscape inspired by the themes of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. The décor artfully combined elements of whimsy and sophistication, reflecting the duality of light and dark that permeates the opera itself.
Guests were greeted by an immersive environment adorned with rich hues of cranberry, deep red, and plum, accented by iridescence and gold, creating an atmosphere both luxurious and inviting.
The design elements included stunning crystal ball installations and candlelight arrangements that evoked a modern masquerade, including masked dancers posing with the guests.
The magnificent San Francisco Opera chandelier logo was reinterpreted throughout the venue, serving as a reminder of the rich history and triumph that the San Francisco Opera represents.
As the clock struck 8 p.m., the audience transitioned to the War Memorial Opera House for the highly anticipated performance of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. This production, directed by Italian maestro Leo Muscato, marked the first presentation of the opera since 2014 and was notably the first time this particular staging was presented outside of Europe.
The evening featured a stellar international cast, with tenor Michael Fabiano captivating the audience as King Gustavus III, while soprano Lianna Haroutounian delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance as Amelia.
Amartuvshin Enkhbat made his company debut as Renato, bringing fresh energy to the role, supported by Mei Gui Zhang as Oscar and Judit Kutasi as Ulrica. Under Maestro Kim’s expert baton, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus brought Verdi’s masterpiece to life, enveloping the audience in a rich tapestry of sound that echoed throughout the historic venue.
As the finale of the evening approached, guests returned to City Hall for an after-party that began at 11 p.m. The celebratory atmosphere continued as attendees danced and reveled in the joyous occasion, marking the successful launch of yet another season of world class opera in San Francisco.
Opera Ball 2024 was not just an event; it was a celebration of the enduring spirit of the arts in a city renowned for its cultural richness. The evening’s proceeds support the artistic and educational initiatives of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Guild, ensuring that the magic of opera continues to flourish for years to come.
The 102nd Opening Night Celebrations of the San Francisco Opera was a magnificent confluence of art, philanthropy, and community spirit.
As we all left City Hall, every guest carried with them not only the memories of an exquisite evening but also a renewed commitment to supporting the vibrancy of opera in San Francisco, a city that continues to thrive as a beacon of cultural excellence.