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Feb 2010  |  By Mibs  |  Comments

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Fantasy of the Opera Gala Raises $504,000

The Guild Board of Directors’ 26th annual Fantasy fundraiser, “Hearts Afire,” sizzled in the Civic Opera House on February 6, drawing 560 attendees.

A thousand ruby and magenta roses, fiery red table linens and curtains, plus cut crystal centerpieces, elaborate rose-colored lighting and ornately painted signage all set the scene for the gala.

Early in the evening, an array of elegant tastings prepared by some of Chicago’s top chefs enticed the crowd. Many enjoyed an “Elixir of Love” cocktail (rum punch served in bright red glasses on lit neon trays) and other refreshments while they placed silent-auction bids beneath red silk canopies in the Nancy W. Knowles Lobby, or purchased raffle tickets.

The Fantasy Cabaret showcased the diverse musical talents of current Lyric artists Nicole Cabell (The Elixir of Love), Danielle de Niese (The Marriage of Figaro), Susan Graham (The Damnation of Faust), Joyce DiDonato (Figaro), David Cangelosi (Tosca), and Philip Kraus (Figaro); as well as Ryan Opera Center members Angela Mannino, Amber Wagner, Kathryn Leemhuis, and David Portillo. Selections by William Bolcom, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Kurt Weill, Rogers & Hart, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and others were performed. Lyric’s music director Sir Andrew Davis was master of ceremonies, and pianist Craig Terry accompanied the singers.

Baritone Mark Delavan, who starred in last season’s “Cav/Pag” and returns next season for "A Masked Ball," brought down the house with his soulful renditions of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” which had Fantasy guests clapping along. In a Fantasy Cabaret first, Delavan sang an encore – “Ring of Fire,” also by Johnny Cash. Delavan accompanied himself on guitar, and was joined by pianist Craig Terry and double-bass player Jonathan Gilley.

Following a seated dinner prepared by Calihan Catering, many guests danced to the Ken Arlen’s Indigo in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer until midnight.

Mezzo soprano Susan Graham joined Ken Arlen’s Indigo onstage for an impromptu rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime.” Guests on the main floor stopped dancing to listen, while those on the mezzanine level (including Lyric general director William Mason and his wife, Diana Davis), crowded the rail to watch.