Go Inside The Dazzling Houston Grand Opera Opening Night Dinner

Here’s A Look At The Fabulous, Multi-Part Night Celebrates Launch Of 2024-2025 With Show-Stopping Performance Of “Il trovatore”

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Emily Jaschke and Michelle Watson

THE SCENE: The Wortham Center in Houston was the recent setting for a multi-act night of fun, art, and fundraising for one of Texas’ most iconic artistic institutions. Over 425 of the city’s most prominent art patrons, sociables, music lovers, and philanthropists turned out for the Houston Grand Opera Opening Night Dinner. The night featured moving performances, delicious food, and great company.

THE VIBE: The black-tie optional crowd featured a mix of classic formal wear and cocktail attire, with patrons donning an array of colors including metallic and bold hues, resulting in a warm, festive, and welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began with patrons taking to their seats as they brimmed with anticipation of Verdi’s Il trovatore, which was directed by Stephen Wadsworth.

Before the curtain went up on the performance, General Director and CEO of the Houston Grand Opera, Khori Dastoor took to the stage, thanking patrons for their support of the organization and highlighting Il trovatore as the kickoff of HGO’s season’s long celebration of love. Patrons were treated to a spectacular performance of the classic tale of lies, murder, and revenge accompanied by Verdi’s legendary, sweeping score.

After a standing ovation of the performance, guests then headed to Fish Plaza at The Wortham Center for a post-performance meal. Richard Flowers of The Events Company created a dramatic, elegant space complete with rich hues of burgundy, navy, teal, and gold. City Kitchen catered the multi-course meal capped off by a decadent chocolate torte. The dinner was capped off with words from various Houston Grand Opera leaders, was the introduction of the cast of Il trovatore that brought the crowd to its feet in thunderous applause.

THE NON-PROFIT: The Houston Grand Opera Opening Night Dinner, co-chaired by Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, raised over $600,000 for the Houston Grand Opera. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards the organization’s mission of reaching and enriching the Greater Houston community through the art of opera.