According to First Sight/First Night Co-Chairs Ellen and Don Winspear,
Don and Ellen Winspear*
“We are thrilled to be the chairs for The Dallas Opera’s season opening festivities. Opening night at the opera has traditionally been a very dramatic event, usually fashioned around all the pageantry of grand opera. This year, we have the chance to kick things back a little and create the opening around one of Texas’ great loves — football. It’s a unique, challenging and yet really wonderful opportunity. We know we’re going to have a lot of fun with this. Honorary Co-Chairs Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings are on board for the events which adds even more to the excitement! We hope you’ll join us!”
“Fall in Dallas is typically flush with high class events and posh occasions that accommodate virtually every artistic desire and inclination. However, none this year will compare to the season opening of The Dallas Opera: First Sight/First Night.
“The season kicks off with First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon presented by NorthPark Center on Thursday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. in the beautiful C. Vincent Prothro Lobby of the Winspear Opera House. First Sight is one of Dallas’ finest fashion shows, this year showcasing the remarkable designs of Mulberry. Additionally, the luncheon will introduce The Dallas Opera 2015-2016 Season Collection with five exquisite creations, one for each opera, from internationally renowned designers based in Dallas. Individual tickets for First Sight are available for $250 and tables start at $10,000.
Keith and Jennifer Cerny (File photo)
“First Night presented by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management features a ‘celebrity’ red carpet entrance, a gourmet pre-performance dinner, a world premiere opera and rockin’ After Party. The excitement begins on Friday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. First Night showcases the Linda and Mitch Hart Opening Night performance of Great Scott. This will be the latest accomplishment from one of America’s most sought after operatic composers, Jake Heggie. The plot line of this witty opera is guaranteed to touch the hearts of Texans given one of its key elements—football. The story revolves around the conflict that occurs when the opening night of title character Arden Scott’s world premiere of a long-lost, never performed opera falls on the same night as the local football team’s championship game. Opera and football—what a novel pairing! Individual tickets for First Night are available for $1,000 and tables start at $25,000. All Dinner tickets include an After-Party ticket. Opening night opera performance tickets are sold separately.
“Together First Sight and First Night create the premiere events of the social season in Dallas!
“For details on all of these fascinating events including sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase tickets, please call 214.443.1063 or visit www.dallasopera.org/firstnight.”
* Photo provided by The Dallas Opera