The setting within the pavilion and around the War Memorial courtyard was all in Chinese imperial-style inspired by Puccini’s opera Turandot.įollowing dinner, guests returned to the Opera House for the performance of Turandot starring Martina Serafin in the title role, Brian Jagde as Calaf, Toni Marie Palmertree as Liú and Raymond Aceto as Timur. The 800-guest black-tie celebration began with a cocktail reception in the foyer of the War Memorial Opera House where Dede Wilsey funded the magnificent flora decorations in the shape of dragons and peacocks followed by an elegant dinner by McCalls Catering in the imperial palace pavilion tent adjacent to the Opera House created by event designer Riccardo Benavides. The season-opening gala was presented by the San Francisco Opera Guild with co-chairs Courtney Labe and Maryam Muduroglu. My eyes, ears and emotions were captivated for the three-hour performance! Courtney Labe, Jane Mudge and Maryam Muduroglu This year’s performance was truly amazing.

The performance of Turandot brought back the memory of 2002 opening night Opera Ball when I was co-chair and the performance was also Turandot with Hockney’s set, which was stunningly refurbished for the 2017 production. I served on the honorary committee this year and was delighted to see the opening night a sold-out success. The San Francisco Opera opened its 95th season on September 8 with Opera Ball 2017 at The Imperial Palace and a performance of Turandot, Puccini’s last masterpiece in British artist David Hockney’s colorful production. The stunning David Hockney designed stage set

Inside san francisco opera house