SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

THE US GRANT HOTEL

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

San Diego Opera patrons celebrated the Opening Night of the 2012 International Season in grand style, welcoming in a new year of opera with exotic splendor to compliment the evening’s opera, Salome. Festivities began with an elegant cocktail reception at The US Grant Hotel. The highlight of the reception was a tribute to Audrey Geisel, and the 10th Anniversary of her $1 million endowed chair for the Director of Education.

Following the reception, guests made their way to the Civic Theatre to enjoy San Diego Opera’s production of Strauss’ seductive opera Salome. Amid vivid sets and costumes, opera superstars Lisë Lindstrom, Greer Grimsley, and Allan Glassman led the cast in a spectacular performance. After the opera, guests returned to The US Grant to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and dancing with the stars of the opera, all in a magically beautiful ballroom. A special addition to the event was the viewing of a video, followed by a Fund-A Need Auction, whereby guests were asked to raise their bid cards and make a donation to the Opera’s Education program.

The Dow Divas extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Underwriters and Sponsors who made this extraordinary event possible. We celebrate our Gala Patrons – you are deeply appreciated and valued members of the Opera family, the cornerstone of our Company, who have made world-class opera possible in San Diego for many years. For your generosity, your support and your friendship, we lift our glasses to you!

Gala Underwriters

Audrey S. Geisel/ San Diego Foundation/Dr. Seuss Fund, Lead Sponsor
Dow Divas, Lead Sponsor
Harvey and Sheryl White, Reception
Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner, Patron Party
Anne Otterson, General

Corporate Sponsors

U.S. Bank, Corporate Producing Partner
Neiman Marcus, Patron Gift Sponsor
Katherine Gaynor Designs, Floral Sponsor
Pacific Events, Décor Sponsor
Crocker & Starr, Wine Sponsor

THE DOW DIVAS - 2012 GALA CHAIRS

(Bottom row from left to right): Sheryl White, Joan Jacobs, Iris Strauss, Karen Cohn, Valerie Cooper, Lee Goldberg (Middle row left to right): Rusti Bartell Weiss, Jennifer Greenfield, Lee Clark, Barbara Bloom, Jeanne Jones, Sheila Lipinsky (Back row left to right): Lynda Kerr, Sarah B. Marsh-Rebelo, Mary Keough Lyman, Colette Carson Royston, Olivia Farrell, Alberta Feurzeig (Not pictured): Tanya Brandes, Dawn Gilman, Debbie Turner, Faye Wilson, Pam Wygod

San Diego Opera Thanks: