2012 Saratoga Opera Ball

Kicking off its 51st season, Opera Saratoga and Honorary Chairpersons Ted and Carol Newlin welcomed friends and supporters last night for their elegant ball at the Saratoga Hilton. Men looked dashing in black tie and women donned gorgeous gowns and started the night off sipping champagne and mingling around the well stocked silent auction tables. The benefit had a fun “flower power” theme, and guests were encouraged to slip on mood rings that came with a coordinating “Mood Ring Decoder” card (the Tattlers color remained “very happy” throughout the exciting evening). Opera fans, opera singers and supporters of the arts in Saratoga all chatted during the cocktail hour. The Tattlers got a chance to speak with General Director of Opera Saratoga Curtis Tucker about the well attended benefit.

“The Opera Ball is the kick off to the opera season and the kick off to the arts and cultural season in Saratoga. The Opera Ball is also the main fundraiser for Opera Saratoga and is always a really fun evening that leads to several months of great cultural activities in town.”

General Director of Opera Saratoga Curtis Tucker, Opera Saratoga Board of Directors Member Denise Polit and Opera Saratoga Baritone Nicholas Wiggins.

Opera Saratoga Board of Directors Member Susan Fogarty and Brian Fogarty.

Guests were treated to an amazing dinner and the excitement in the room was building with anticipation of the live auction event. The Tattlers were lucky enough to share a table with a number of fun guests, including the lovely Phyllis and Blair Bynum and Opera Saratoga cast member, tenor Josh Kohl. Spotted in the well dressed crowd were Margie Rotchford, Dee Sarno, Anne Palamountain, Ball Committee Member Nicole Kempton and Rob Kempton, Dan Czech, and Theresa and Tom Lloyd. Shortly after guests finished their delectable desserts, auctioneer LeGrande Serras got the live auction underway. Bidding was heated for unique items like a chance to have a cameo appearance during an Opera Saratoga performance. The highlight of the evening was definitely the special performances. Post-auction, guests were delighted to hear Opera Saratoga singers deliver spectacular snippets from upcoming performances as an absolutely perfect teaser for the summer 2012 season. Our table mate Josh Kohl wowed the crowd with his performance of Mattinata from Rigoletto. The evening was topped off the only way it could be, with some dancing in the beautifully decorated ballroom of the Saratoga Hilton. The Tattlers left with the melodious sounds of Rigoletto in their ears and plans for attending the upcoming Opera Saratoga performances on their minds, we simply cannot wait for the season to begin.