Dallas Opera Announces 2018 Chairs For Premier Fundraising Events
The Dallas Opera has announced the chairpersons for two of its most important fundraising events on the 2018 social calendar: the FIRST SIGHT fashion show and luncheon is chaired by Joyce Goss, and the exciting festivities surrounding FIRST NIGHT of the new season, chaired by Shelle and Michael Sills.
It’s a weekend that attracts fashionistas and opera lovers from across the state to enjoy stirring music and drama, culinary delights by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and a luxurious collection from the international fashion house of CH Carolina Herrera.
It all begins with FIRST SIGHT, presented by NorthPark Center, at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
The kick-off event will be followed one day later by FIRST NIGHT on Oct. 12 with a glamorous red carpet reception at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:00 p.m. with the pre-performance dinner, and, when the artists have taken their final bows—an exciting FIRST NIGHT After Party crowning two days of celebrations to mark the official Opening Night of the 2018-2019 Dallas Opera Season.
FIRST NIGHT also will showcase—and take inspiration from—the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, an opera not seen live in Dallas for more than a generation.
“I am absolutely thrilled that The Dallas Opera will be partnering with the extraordinary CH Carolina Herrera brand to enable FIRST SIGHT—which in a few short years has become a firmly-established fashion institution in Dallas—to rise to the next level,” said FIRST SIGHT Chair Joyce Goss. “I am deeply grateful to Nancy Nasher and our presenting sponsor, NorthPark Center; to Bulgari; and to CH Carolina Herrera for their generous support of FIRST SIGHT.”
FIRST NIGHT Co-Chair Shelle Sills said, while there are many things that drive the economic engine of a phenomenal city like Dallas, the city’s heart will always belong to art.
“Art has the power to unite and uplift us, regardless of just how much or how little exposure to the arts we have personally experienced. Art has the capacity to alter individual expectations, outlooks, and outcomes. It changes lives each and every day,” Sills said.
“Without regular art and music education as part of the standard public school curriculum, K through 12,” she added, “our community must rely on effective educational outreach designed to bring artists and their art forms to those with the greatest need—and The Dallas Opera has been at the forefront of these efforts with free simulcasts, budget-minded family performances, teacher training, and a variety of special programs.
“Knowing how much our local opera company gives back to the people of Dallas, Michael and I are extremely proud to serve as co-chairs of this year’s FIRST NIGHT!”
Marnie and Kern Wildenthal will serve as Honorary Chairs for both of The Dallas Opera’s signature social events. Dr. Wildenthal is currently serving, pro bono, as Interim General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera.
