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HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S
A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA, OPERA BALL 2001

Premier Houston Social Event to Honor
Internationally Acclaimed Artist Robert Wilson

Houston, TX - A Night at the Alhambra, Opera Ball 2001 is the theme for Houston’s premier social gathering that was held on Saturday, March 31, 2001 at 6:30 pm. Fusing rich colors, sounds and tastes, Chair Carolyn Farb transformed the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency into the Spanish - Arabian Palace, the Alhambra. Opera Ball 2001 recognized the accomplishments of one of the great theatrical imaginations of our time, Robert Wilson with the Andrea Palladio Award presented to A Gentleman of the Arts.

Theme of the Night: Spanish - Arabian Palace, the Alhambra.




Fusing rich colors, sounds and tastes, the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency was transformed into the Spanish - Arabian Palace, the Alhambra.



The black - tie event featured exotic decor created by a team of designers which included Bill Fitch of Staging Solutions, set designer John Busing, Francesca Nilsen of Distinctive Details and Keith White, A.I.F.D. Jeff Krause of the Roundtop Collection will combine gilded metal with hand blown glass to create unique sculpture centerpieces especially for A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA. The evening’s sumptuous meal was prepared by the Hyatt Regency’s Executive Chef, Jean Maysan. In the grand tradition, guests encountered one of the most luxurious silent auction experiences. In anticipation of this lustrous silent auction, bidding on Opera Ball 2001 auction items began on-line beginning January 1, 2001.


(L-R) Terry Dirado, Lacy M. Farish and Julie Tips, who donated the yearling miniature horse for the Silent Auction at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001: A Night at the Alhambra.




Starfire Miniature Donkey, part of the Silent Auction at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001: A Night at the Alhambra.




Elegant decor with exclusive centerpieces at the Spanish - Arabian Palace, the Alhambra.



Houston Grand Opera and Idea Integration launched the first ever online auction Website for Houston Grand Opera’s A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA, HOUSTON GRAND OPERA BALL 2001. The extensive project is the online component of the luxurious silent auction, which featured over 160 premier items. The website,

allowed patrons to preview and bid on auction items, and it allowed those who were unable to attend the gala event which was held at the Hyatt Regency Houston on March 31, 2001 to participate and bid on the high profile items.


(L-R) Eleanor McCollum and Mark Braswell at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001: A Night At the Alhambra.



Following the dinner there was a “live” auction of three spectacular items and dancing to music by the Mike Carney Orchestra. Channel 13’s Bob Boudreaux was the Master of Ceremonies.


Master of Ceremonies: Bob Boudreaux.



A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA enraptured guests as they experienced the mystery and old - world elegance of Spain in the exotic palace of the Alhambra. Guests were transported by the lavish sounds and cuisine of the evening, and by the elegant decor whose exclusive centerpieces and striking pashmina chair wraps that were available for purchase. With Carolyn Farb as Chair, Opera Ball 2001 has taken several new directions, such as moving from the Wortham Center Foyer to the much larger Hyatt Regency Houston. The evening’s merriment began with the silent auction reception AT THE BAZAAR featuring the Saks Fifth Avenue Sultan’s Treasure Chest.


Spanish - Arabian Palace, the Alhambra.




Spanish - Arabian Sultan Treasure Chest.


The entire lobby of the Hyatt Regency Houston showcased the distinctive silent auction items and the Imperial Ballroom accommodated a gathering of 800 to 1,000 attendees. The silent auction, featuring a select group of 150 premier items, includes international travel and accommodations as well as packages from Houston’s finest restaurants and spas. Among the many exciting items is a guitar from music great Don Henley autographed by all the members of the legendary classic rock group The Eagles.


From the Personal Collection of Eagles legend Don Henley: a six-string Takamine, G-series guitar with a hard case signed by the members of the Eagles - Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit.




Internationally Acclaimed Artist Robert Wilson being presented with the Andrea Palladio Award at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.



OPERA BALL 2001 honored the accomplishments of one of the towering figures in the world of experimental theater and one of the great theatrical imaginations of our time, Robert Wilson with the Andrea Palladio Award presented to A GENTLEMAN OF THE ARTS. Over the last two decades Wilson has brought his creativity to the standard dramatic and operatic repertoire. His visual images are both aesthetically striking and emotionally charged, and his productions have earned the acclaim of audiences and critics throughout the world. Wilson has designed and directed operas at houses such as La Scala in Milan, the Opera Bastille in Paris, the Zurich Opera, the Hamburg Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Houston Grand Opera. While known for creating highly acclaimed theatrical pieces, his work is firmly rooted in the visual arts and his drawings, prints, videos and sculptures are held in private collections and museums throughout the world. Having Directed HGO’s Parsifal (1992) and Four Saints in Three Acts (1996), this native Texan returns to Houston to be the first artist honored by the Opera Ball.


A Gentleman of the Arts: Robert Wilson with the Andrea Palladio Award at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.




(L-R) Houston Grand Opera General Director David Gockley with Mary Ann and Steve Salch.



Tables for Opera Ball 2001 went for $10,000; $15,000; $25,000; $50,000 and $75,000. Individual tickets were $1,000 and $2,500. Early benefactors include Conoco, Northern Trust Bank, Cooper Industries, the American Bible Society, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. Individual benefactors include Mike & Francie Willis, Margaret Alkek and Margaret Alkek Williams and Louisa Sarofim. A goal of $1 million has been set for the Opera Ball 2001. Proceeds from A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA will support not only Houston Grand Opera’s staged performances, but also important community outreach programs at Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Ray C. Fish Plaza. HGO’s Education and Outreach programs help enrich the lives of more than 150,000 children and families each year throughout the Gulf Coast area.



(L-R) HGO General Director David Gockley with Cindi Rose and Dr. Franklin Rose at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.




Lynn Wyatt at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.


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Carolyn Farb at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.



CAROLYN FARB BIOGRAPHY

Carolyn Farb’s fundraising abilities are legendary. In the past two decades, her hard work and determination have benefited over 100 charitable causes, raising nearly $25 Million. The key to her success is simple: she approaches each fundraising project with originality, dedication and focus. Her “hands on” and “zero-budget” philosophy has resulted in millions of dollars being raised for cancer research, the arts, higher education, and children’s issues.


Carolyn Farb's stunning ballgown at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.



Ms. Farb has raised funds for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Crescent Endowment for the Kennedy Center, the University of Houston School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, I Have A Dream Foundation, the Society for Performing Arts, Houston Ballet, and the first large-scale AIDS Benefit Gala, “An Evening Of Hope,” to name a few. Her honors include the UNICEF Children’s Medallion of Honor, the Illustrious Modern Award from the Wedgwood Society, the Diana Award, the 1996 “I Have a Dream” DreamMaker Award, the National Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis Winter Ball “Woman of Distinction” Award, the YWCA Woman of the Year Award, and the Volunteers of America’s Regional and National Service Award.

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Dinner and Dancing at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.




Ms. Lara Bell and TV personality Roseann Rogers at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.


HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S
A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA: OPERA BALL 2001
Premiere Houston Social Event
Featured Three Mo’ Tenors Artist Rodrick Dixon

Celebrated tenor Rodrick Dixon performed at Houston’s premier social gathering A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA, Opera Ball 2001. Dixon’s dynamic voice can currently be heard in the popular production Three Mo’ Tenors. Three Mo’ Tenors, conceived and directed by Broadway Director Marion J. Caffey and inspired by the incredibly successful Three Mo’ Tenors Concerts, is a theatrically staged concert spanning opera, Broadway tunes, jazz, gospel and spirituals. Mr. Dixon delighted guests with a special performance at Opera Ball 2001 which was held at 7:00pm Saturday, March 31, 2001 at the Hyatt Regency Houston.


(L-R) Emily Towers and Lauren Sales of HSPVA (High School for the Performing Visual Arts) Theatre Dept. assisting in the bidding of auction items as Mimes at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.



Rodrick Dixon’s beautiful voice combined with his flair for acting and dancing has earned him a variey of dramatic roles that encompassed the repertoire of opera, musical theater, operetta and contemporary works. Mr. Dixon has appeared in several roles with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Lyric Center, Portland Opera and Virginia Opera. As part of the Three Mo Tenors he has been featured on PBS’s “My Favorite Broadway”, “The Today Show,” and most recently at the Apollo Theater as part of “Broadway Celebrates the Spirit of Harlem” presented by Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. Other television appearances include “The Tony Awards” and “Good Morning America”


Robert Wilson with the Andrea Palladio Award presented to A Gentleman of the Arts at the Houston Grand Opera Ball 2001.