One Enchanted Evening

The Party
Scores of devoted dramatic arts fans flocked to Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for Opera Ball, a stunning black-tie gala in honor of the L.A. Opera’s 2014-15 season. The sold-out opening night performance of La Traviata—which raised $1.5 million and starred Plácido Domingo, Nino Machaidze and Arturo Chacón-Cruz—was celebrated with a glimmering reception and seated dinner inspired by the production’s opulent Roaring ’20s designs.

The Scene
Dripping with feathers, flowers, pearls and twinkling lights, the event—a powerful kickoff to the city’s social season—exuded decadent glamour. Guests, including Emmy Rossum (who stunned in a whimsical Oscar de la Renta gown), Kate Walsh, and Michael and Jane Eisner enjoyed a three-course meal before hitting the dance floor.

The Highlights
L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky—revered for his deep commitment to the company—conducted the national anthem at the show’s start and made a surprise cameo toward the end. At curtain call, Domingo presented Yaroslavsky with a framed photo of his Act Three performance and this kind sentiment: “Thanks to you, Los Angeles is a more beautiful place.” Coming from one of the three tenors, those words have a pretty amazing ring. -Photos by Steve Cohn and Dan Steinberg