parties

Opera Ball Returns with Vivid Moroccan Theme, a $1.25 Million Haul and Even a Camel!

Wilson Parish
Opera Ball Returns with Vivid Moroccan Theme, a $1.25 Million Haul and Even a Camel!

Brad and Joanna Marks, Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush

SOMETIMES CALLED THE mother of all galas, the always spectacular Houston Grand Opera Ball returned to the Wortham Center foyer with a roar, with a haul of $1.25 million and a rousing party. It was the event’s first time in the theater center since Hurricane Harvey and then the Covid pandemic displaced it from its longtime home. And, for many, the splendor of its colorful “Le Voyage à Marrakech” theme was worth the long wait.

The theme itself was initially planned in as “Une Nuit à Marrakesh” in 2020 and recast to reflect the long journey to the ball’s festive return.

“The dreamy and colorful Moroccan adventure chaired by Jennifer and Benjamin Fink was also the first Opera Ball with new CEO and General Director Khori Dastoor,” noted a rep for gala organizers. “The Finks and Dastoor, along with Music and Artistic Director Patrick Summers, welcomed more than 470 guests with a red-carpet arrival on Fish Plaza featuring traditional Moroccan tea service, rugs by Abraham’s Rugs and a live camel photo op.”

For their part, the Finks made their entrance on a gilded Amariya, which is one of those carriages hoisted on the shoulders of footmen and typically reserved for the bride at Moroccan weddings.

North Aftrican music by Moodafaruka, Morocco-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, fortune tellers, henna artists, fortune tellers and belly dancers all factored into the experience, as did stunning décor including flickering lanterns and largescale arrangements of multicolor roses. HGO star and artistic adviser Ana María Martinez sang “La Vie en Rose” before a dinner of Harissa-marinated scallops and rack of lamb flavored with cinnamon and dried fruits. For dessert: little Aladdin’s lamps made of chocolate and with dark chocolate mousse.

Per its custom, the opera ball gave way to raucous “Encore After Party,” at which the Celebrity All Stars band rocked the dance floor until DJ Little Martin took over.

The guest list was a who’s who of arts patrons and society fixtures, including Meredith and Ben Marshall, Zane and Brady Carruth, Margaret Alkek Williams, Lynn Wyatt, Susan Sarofim, Franci Neely, Ron Franklin and Janet Gurwitch, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush, Brad and Joanna Marks, Robert Sakowitz, Molly and Jim Crownover, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Anne and Albert Chao, Beth Madison, Betty and Jess Tutor, Isabel and Danny David, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Beth Wolff, Cynthia Wolff and Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Lynn Wyatt

Margaret Alkek Williams

Michael Hornsby, Bevin Biggers

Ann and Jonathan Ayre

Anne and Albert Chao

Belly Dancers at Opera Ball 2022

Ben Fink, Patrick Summers, Khori Dastoor, Jennifer Fink

Jennifer Fink

BenJoaquin Gouverneur, Khori Dastoor, Claudia and Nelson Mattos

Norma and Beto Cardenas

Zane and Brady Carruth

Betty and Jess Tutor

Brandon McClendon, Myrtle Jones

Brian Dunham and Allyson Pritchett with Ernest the Camel

Bruce Padilla, Susan Sarofim, Alvin Abraham

Cynthia Wolff and Beth Wolff

David Wuthrich, Leigh Smith, Marty Goossen

Rufus and Dr. Yvonne Cormier

Dr. Karima Chami and Younes Belatier

Drs. Ishwaria Subbiah and Vivek Subbiah

Elizabeth Grimm, Jack Roth

Isabel David, Kristy Bradshaw, Jennifer Fink, Meredith Marshall

Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin

Jeremy Garcia, Brian McCulloch

John Eddie and Sheridan Williams

Laura and Brad McWilliams with Ernest the Camel

Magical Chocolate Lamp Dessert by City Kitchen

From Your Site Articles
Parties
promoted

Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Al Torres

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less