Rob Giardinelli
AT&T Performing Arts Center Bravo! Gala Honors The Moody Foundation
By Rob Giardinelli Photography Courtesy of AT&T Performing Arts Center
THE SCENE: Dallas’ Winspear Opera House was the recent setting for a magical evening of fundraising. Over 250 of the city’s most notable sociables, community leaders, and art patrons were on hand for the annual Bravo! Gala. Benefiting the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the night featured dazzling performances and an epic dinner onstage at one of the world’s top performing arts venues.
THE VIBE: The black tie-attired crowd felt the excitement in the air from the moment they entered the foyer of the Winspear Opera House for a lively cocktail reception. As patrons sipped on their favorite spirits and mingled with other guests, they were treated to live performances from all five of the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s resident theatre companies. Making the experience even more special was that each of the companies performed in a unique space throughout the two-story Winspear Lobby giving each performance an intimate, theatrical feel.
The festivities then headed to the main stage at the Winspear for the main program. Jaws dropped as revelers were treated to a magical onstage scene complete with live and sustainable décor used from various AT&T Performing Arts Center productions, which gave the space an added layer of intimate elegance. As partygoers dined on a multi-course meal they were treated to a fun program that included words from organization leaders as well as honoring The Moody Foundation for their extensive and continued support of the AT&T Performing Arts Center including the funding of the stunning chandelier that hangs over the orchestra section of Winspear.
Mixed in with the tributes and testimonials were performances that took advantage of the world-class acoustics at Winspear, including a special performance by the Lake Street Dive Band. The result was a night where revelers were frequently brought to their feet and their souls warmed by performances that they will not soon forget.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Diane Brierley and Ellen Winspear, raised over $437,000 for the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward educational and community engagement initiatives in North Texas to bring the power of the arts to more residents in the region
