Curated Texan
Houston Grand Opera’s Opera Ball 2024: Mirror Ball Shines For $1.3 Million Night
By Rob Giardinelli Photography Courtesy of Katy Anderson and Michelle Watson
THE SETTING: The Wortham Center in Houston was the setting of a dazzling evening celebrating one of the nation’s most acclaimed artistic organizations. Over 450 art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Houston Grand Opera’s annual Opera Ball. Always one of Space City’s most anticipated annual social events, this year’s theme, Mirror Ball reflected the arts that reflect Houston as a dynamic, diverse city. The result took this storied event to a whole new level.
THE VIBE: The Black Tie/White Tie crowd featured a mix of ballgowns, tuxedos, and tails that created an elegant, sophisticated, and welcoming vibe. From the moment guests ascended the steps to the second floor of The Wortham Center, they knew they were in for a special evening designed and planned by the legendary Richard Flowers of The Events Company who transformed Wortham Center into a mirrored wonderland. The space featured sky-high silver drapes, tinseled chandeliers, and holographic tablescapes accented with fuchsia bottoms.
As revelers took to their seats, they were treated to a performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s So Long Farewell, performed by the Von Trapp children for the Houston Grand Opera production of The Sound of Music. Attendees dined on their delicious, multi-course meals courtesy of Luis Roger. Once dinner began to wind down, a giant disco ball lowered and the energy level rose as the partygoers took to the dance floor, where the fun continued into the wee hours of the morning courtesy of acclaimed band Universal Crush.
THE NON-PROFIT: Opera Ball 2024, co-chaired by Isabel and Ignacio Torras, raised over $1.3 million for the Houston Grand Opera. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards educational and program initiatives to serve its mission of advancing operatic art to serve the Houston community. A world-renowned and critically acclaimed organization, Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company to win a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award.
