The Palm Beach Opera celebrated its 50th anniversary with a golden jubilee concert and gala January 20 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. To mark the milestone, opera producers incorporated lavish furniture rentals, linens, and decor from the Special Event Resource and Design Group and showcased various performers and scenes from renowned operas including La Traviata, La Boheme, and Aida.
"The decor and overall look and feel of the event turned out beautifully and truly reflected the sophistication of the opera with a modern twist, which is exactly the direction we are taking as a company as we celebrate 50 fabulous years," said Daniel Biaggi, general director for the Palm Beach Opera.
Following a cocktail reception in the main building's Founders Circle Room, staffers ushered the more-than-250 guests into the center's Cohen Pavilion. An illuminated hallway, red carpet, and artwork symbolizing past operas and those highlighted during the concert welcomed guests into the ballroom for a four-course dinner catered by Special Impressions at the Breakers.
The performance portion, co-hosted by opera legend Sherrill Milnes, was conducted by Palm Beach Opera’s artistic director and principal conductor Bruno Aprea as well as a guest conductor Julius Rudel. Performers like Ruth Ann Swenson, Denyce Graves, and Brandon Jovanovich took to the stage during the evening.