Lyric Opera Gala raises over $470,000
By Elizabeth Hamel elizabeth@suntimes.com February 1, 2012 4:18PM
Adam and Stacy Weiss of Glencoe | Photo courtesy of Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago
BENEFITING: Lyric Opera of Chicago
DATE: Jan. 27, 2012
LOCATION: Civic Opera House, Chicago
ATTENDED: 500+
RAISED: $470,000+
Article Extras
Updated: February 8, 2012 6:15PM
Ice sculptures of Fabergé eggs, illuminated egg-shaped table lamps, frosted-glass table chandeliers, golden branches dripping with crystal strands, white table linens scattered with cut-crystal “diamonds” and frosty blue lighting designed by Event Creative all set the scene for “A Night Under the Czars,” the 28th annual “Fantasy of the Opera Gala” benefit hosted by Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Guild Board of Directors at the Civic Opera House on Jan. 27. The gala benefit raised more than $470,000 net for the world-renowned opera company.
Early in the evening, an array of elegant tastings prepared by some of Chicago’s top chefs enticed the crowd of more than 500 ticket-holders. Restaurant stations could be found throughout the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer and American Airlines Mezzanine. Guests enjoyed a “Moscow Mule” cocktail (vodka, ginger beer, and lime), Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and other refreshments while they placed silent-auction bids in the Nancy W. Knowles Lobby, or purchased raffle tickets. Guests bid electronically using their personal communication devices or ones provided for the evening.
The Fantasy Cabaret performance in the Ardis Krainik Theatre began shortly after 8 p.m. and featured stars of Lyric’s current and previous seasons. General Director Anthony Freud was Master of Ceremonies. Jamie Barton, Ashley Brown, Alyson Cambridge, David Cangelosi, Nathan Gunn, Philip Kraus, Susanna Phillips, Morris Robinson, Angela Renée Simpson, Amber Wagner, Elza van den Heever and members of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center performed selections from the great American songbook and Broadway classics. Pianist Craig Terry accompanied the singers.
Following a seated dinner prepared by Limelight Catering, guests danced to Ken Arlen’s Indigo in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer until midnight. They also enjoyed the elegant Dessert Fantasy in the Opera Club and American Airlines Mezzanine. The Lyric Young Professionals enjoyed dinner in the Pedersen Room (prepared by Jewell Events Catering) before heading out to the dance floor.
Fantasy of the Opera chairman was Nancy Temple; Fantasy co-chairman was Courtney Rosen; silent auction chairman was Julie Anne Benson and raffle chairman was Allison Alexander, all of Chicago.
For more information about the Lyric Opera of Chicago, see lyricopera.org or call (312) 332-2244.
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