Arizona Opera’s annual black-tie fundraiser, Opera Ball 2009, nets $157,000. Event celebrated the successful finale of 2008-2009 Season.  Proceeds support mainstage productions and the company’s extensive education and outreach programs.

Board President David Christensen, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona C.E.O. Rich Boals, Honorary Chair Jeanne Herberger and Phoenix Vice-Mayor Tom Simplot – representing Mayor Phil Gordon – deliver welcome remarks and applaud guests for “All you have done and will continue to do for the arts in Arizona.”

PHOENIX, Arizona, (May 13, 2009) – Arizona Opera’s annual Opera Ball took place on April 18, 2009. The company’s premier fundraiser was held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in the McArthur Ballroom. Over 200 guests attended the black-tie event and garnered $157,000 in net proceeds in support of Arizona Opera’s main stage productions and education and outreach programs.

Opera Ball Chair Julie Prusak and her husband Conrad were the first to arrive on the red carpet. Prusak wore a stunning liquid silver couture design by Pamella Roland paired with a suite of white gold and diamond jewelry by Italian jeweler Roberto Coin – courtesy of Neiman Marcus – and set the perfect tone for the event’s color scheme of precious metals.  Many of the guests shimmered in reflective shades of silver, gold and copper as they arrived in the softening light of sunset. 

“What a delightful evening!” said Artistic Director Joel Revzen. “Chair Julie Prusak and Vice-Chair Linda “Mac” Perlich exceeded all expectation with this year’s Opera Ball. The event offered guests an exciting preview into our 09~10 Season, one of the highlights of the evening was the thrill of soprano Robin Follman and baritone David Adam Moore making special appearances prior to their company debuts.”

Executive Director Debra Harrison said, “Arizona Opera is so fortunate to have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Jeanne and Gary Herberger – Hidden Meadow Ranch, Lodge and Club - as Presenting Sponsors of our Opera Ball. Their dedication and commitment to supporting our community’s quality of life is inspiring in these challenging times.”

The exotic locales of the operas featured in the upcoming 09~10 Season - Così fan tutte (Italy,) Salome (Mediterranean,) La bohème (France) and The Barber of Seville (Spain) – provided tantalizing inspiration for the décor and cuisine. The elegant event began with a sparkling cocktail reception and silent auction. The auction tempted guests with an array of luxurious items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences tailored to each of the productions in next season’s repertory. World renowned Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin’s exquisite white gold diamond hoop earrings with a 3.5 carat weight of brilliant diamonds were one of the most sought after items and rated the auction’s highest bid.

The sumptuous dinner, catered by the Biltmore’s culinary team led by Executive Chef Todd Sicolo, delighted guests with four courses inspired by the exotic destinations in next season’s operas. Spain was the first stop on the tasting world tour with tapas honoring The Barber of Seville followed by a sampling of the Mediterranean, the location of Salome. The main course captured the spirit of Italy in recognition of Così fan tutte and the meal concluded with the classic French confection, crepes Suzette, in honor of La bohème.

Guests to Opera Ball 2009 were treated to a special performance by soprano Robin Follman and baritone David Adam Moore accompanied by Arizona Opera’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Joel Revzen. Ms. Follman, the title role in Richard Strauss’ Salome, and Mr. Moore, Guglielmo in Mozart’s comedy Così fan tutte, graciously appeared prior to their official company debuts in the 09~10 Season.

The McArthur Ballroom was radiantly transformed with ambient lighting created by Arizona Opera’s Production Department. Silver and crystal accented décor by designer Alex Jackson from Phoenix Flower Shops added sparkle to the tables. Guests danced the night away to the high energy music of Affinity.

EVENT SPONSORS
Opera Ball 2009 is made possible by deeply appreciated support from:

Presenting Sponsors
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Jeanne and Gary Herberger and Hidden Meadow Ranch, Lodge & Club – Greer, Arizona

Silver Bravo! Society Sponsors
Mary Jo and David A. Christensen
Jack C. Clifford
Julie and Conrad Prusak

Bronze Bravo! Society Sponsors
Anonymous
Arizona Republic
Mary Lynn and David Bolger
Marion Roose Pullin
Ann B. Ritt
SCF Arizona
Jay Simpson and Naomi Valadez
Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro
Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.
SRP
Shoshana B. and Robert S. Tancer
US Airways
Dr. Judith G. and Edwin H. Wolf

Media Sponsors
Desert Living
frontdoors

COMMITTEE LIST

Opera Ball 2009 Committee Leadership
Jeanne and Gary Herberger
Honorary Chairs

Julie Prusak
Chair

Linda “Mac” Perlich
Vice-Chair

Opera Ball 2009 Advisory Committee
Roz Abero
Maryglenn and Rich Boals
Mary Lynn and Dave Bolger
Mary Jo and David A. Christensen
Jack Clifford
Whitney Hayes
Nan and C.A. Howlett
Lisa and Don Irish
Sharon Landis
Pearle Marr
Janice Montana
Lisa Pagel
Julia C. Patrick
Marion Roose Pullin
Ann B. Ritt
Shoshana B. and Robert S. Tancer
Elizabeth Teitel

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Arizona Opera is a professional opera company, which produces fully-staged opera performances, concerts, an in-school touring production and education and outreach programs that reach over 35,000 school children and adults annually. Founded in 1971 in Tucson, the company has grown to become one of the few companies in the United States to serve multiple cities.

For more information, or to arrange interviews, contact Colin Columna at 602.218.7323 or colin@azopera.org