With Casa Loma as a venue and students from the Glenn Gould School as entertainment, Royal Conservatory of Music director of development Stephen Gilles decided to forgo decor for the fourth annual Mozart Unlaced gala on January 30. "It's a really fun, loosely structured event. Our students are our decor, because they're spread throughout the space and they're wearing period costumes," said Gilles, referring to the elaborate gowns and suits provided by Opera Atelier for the event.The evening began with a V.I.P. reception, where guests watched performances, mingled with students, and dined on mini burgers and sushi with champagne. The performances then expanded into the rest of Casa Loma, with students singing and playing in corridors, in upstairs bedrooms, in the coat check—even in the bathroom in the Henry Pellat suite. "The biggest challenge is the logistics of putting on close to 100 performances over the four-hour event," said Gilles, who used detailed programs and easels to keep attendees informed.
Three food stations, with entrées served on small plates and in takeout containers, allowed guests to carry food around. A chocolate fountain provided dessert. Sleek rectangular black and white benches placed in the conservatory and library provided extra seating, while white-clothed cruiser tables with simple flower centrepieces provided areas for guests to stop and chat. An interactive setup called a "musical instrument petting zoo" let guests try out brass drums, violins, and cellos.
The evening's special guest, electric violinist Eugene Draw (a.k.a. Dr. Draw), performed a special composition written especially for the gala for the more than 300 people in attendance. Proceeds from the event go to the Glenn Gould School.
Three food stations, with entrées served on small plates and in takeout containers, allowed guests to carry food around. A chocolate fountain provided dessert. Sleek rectangular black and white benches placed in the conservatory and library provided extra seating, while white-clothed cruiser tables with simple flower centrepieces provided areas for guests to stop and chat. An interactive setup called a "musical instrument petting zoo" let guests try out brass drums, violins, and cellos.
The evening's special guest, electric violinist Eugene Draw (a.k.a. Dr. Draw), performed a special composition written especially for the gala for the more than 300 people in attendance. Proceeds from the event go to the Glenn Gould School.
A performance at Mozart Unlaced
Photo: William Meijer
A Glenn Gould School student performed at Mozart Unlaced.
Photo: William Meijer
Dynamite sushi rolls served in stemless martini glasses were among the hors d'oeuvres at the gala's V.I.P. reception.
Photo: William Meijer
A quartet of harpists performed in the library of the Casa Loma.
Photo: Gary Beechey
Detailed dresses provided by Opera Atelier made students stand out among the guests.
Photo: William Meijer
Butternut-squash risotto with duck confit was one of the three entrées served at the event.
Photo: William Meijer
Two students performed in the coat-check area of Casa Loma.
Photo: William Meijer
