Local music lovers Marc and Eva Stern are busy enjoying what promises to be an outstanding 2015-16 season at the Los Angeles Opera. The Sterns are two of the celebrated company’s biggest fans and most generous supporters. The season is well underway but, keeping with tradition, it made a splashy debut on opening night.
LA Opera’s 30th Anniversary Season opened with a smashing double bill of Giacomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi,” starring Plácido Domingo, and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” starring Marco Berti and Ana María Martínez. The anniversary season celebrates the company’s three-decade-long residency and unique artistic excellence in the Los Angeles community.
More than 500 gala goers waltzed down the “silver carpet” and straight into a VIP cocktail reception. The specialty sip was called a “Sparkling 30,” a refreshing mix of bubbly, blackberries, fresh lemon and homemade thyme syrup. Others opted for the “Puccini Pear,” a fruity cocktail of gin, cream and fresh pear.
Celebrities, guests and patrons got right in the opera spirit. One audience member brought a mini-flashlight she received as a token during L.A. Opera’s 10th anniversary season. (It still works!) Another patron wore a dress she purchased from the costume shop, originally worn by Frederica von Stade in the opera’s production of “The Grand Duchess.”
Following the reception, guests watched a stunning performance of “Gianni Schicchi.” They were laughing out loud as the audience enjoyed the Donati Family and Gianni Schicchi’s antics. It led to a standing ovation for Mr. Domingo and the entire cast. Similarly, “Pagliacci” wowed audiences as well with its tragic love story. Marco Berti’s aria at the end of act one won rave reviews and also ended with the crowd on its feet. At intermission, it was clear that an anniversary theme was going on as performers were toasted with the “Three Decades Diva,” a refreshing mix of vodka, pressed watermelon and basil. The performances may have been several hours long but this group was just warming up. After one last rousing round of applause, they headed out for dinner where they feasted on Di Stefano ricotta spinach cannelloni with pomodoro sauce, wood grilled New York steak with Laetitia pinot noir sauce, twice baked potato, black kale and Campari tomato. It was served with a special “Night at the Opera” cocktail, topped off with a white chocolate cheesecake with pistachio sauce and cherry coulis.
The elegant evening provided enough music, merriment, food and song to last all season long. Cheers!