The 2004 Opera Ball was an opportunity for partygoers to support the Canadian Opera Company at its annual fund-raiser regally titled the Bal de Versailles. Tickets were available to the public for the gala event; those that attended received a rare treat as they stepped back to the days of pageantry and splendor at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
The evening began with cocktails amid a lush re-creation of the gardens of Versailles created by Forget Me Not Flowers that spanned into the ballroom for a dinner to follow. A fittingly regal menu by Fairmont included a five-course meal with rabbit compote with pepper jus, a small salad with shredded celery and brioche, a steamed mussel dish, ni?oise-style filet of beef with lentils in cr?me fra?che with smoked bacon and baby carrots in butter sauce, and chocolate tarts and cherry and prune compote served with coffee and liqueurs.
A spectacular setting of ornate lit centerpieces set amid fresh rosebuds punctuated the linens and chair covers by Micki's, which also draped both the ballroom and the silent auction area with fabrics donated by Fabricland. The silent auction area was set and designed by Taylor & Ware by Design and boasted donated items such as dinner at Wolfgang Puck Grand Caf? and jewelry by Chanel.
The evening ran into the early morning with entertainment by famed mezzo-soprano Jean Stillwell and the sounds of the Starz Band with Liberty Silver.
—Robyn Small
The evening began with cocktails amid a lush re-creation of the gardens of Versailles created by Forget Me Not Flowers that spanned into the ballroom for a dinner to follow. A fittingly regal menu by Fairmont included a five-course meal with rabbit compote with pepper jus, a small salad with shredded celery and brioche, a steamed mussel dish, ni?oise-style filet of beef with lentils in cr?me fra?che with smoked bacon and baby carrots in butter sauce, and chocolate tarts and cherry and prune compote served with coffee and liqueurs.
A spectacular setting of ornate lit centerpieces set amid fresh rosebuds punctuated the linens and chair covers by Micki's, which also draped both the ballroom and the silent auction area with fabrics donated by Fabricland. The silent auction area was set and designed by Taylor & Ware by Design and boasted donated items such as dinner at Wolfgang Puck Grand Caf? and jewelry by Chanel.
The evening ran into the early morning with entertainment by famed mezzo-soprano Jean Stillwell and the sounds of the Starz Band with Liberty Silver.
—Robyn Small
Trailing ivy and roses created a unique floral fixture at the entrance to the Opera Ball 2004/Bal de Versailles at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Table settings featured a regal flair.
Ornate candle lamps displayed on tables functioned as room decor.
