As part of celebrations for its upcoming season, Palm Beach Opera held a private dinner at The Lotos Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in the country, hosted by Palm Beach Opera supporters Julie and Robert Desnick.
Attended by over 30 Palm Beach Opera supporters, the evening began with a cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a warm welcome from General & Artistic Director David Walker. Walker acknowledged the evening’s hosts, celebrated all in attendance and introduced PBO resident artists Cloe SanAntonio and Alexis Seminario, who performed an intimate recital accompanied by PBO vocal coach Shelby Rhoades on piano. Following the performance, guests enjoyed a gourmet seated dinner in the library.
The Lotos Club evening was the highlight of a series of events that took place during Palm Beach Opera’s three-day stay in New York City on Oct. 10-12. In addition to a special board meeting held at The Lotos Club, other events included a Chamber Orchestra of New York recital at Weill Recital Hall—hosted by Carole and Stefano Acunto—and a performance of “Nabucco” at the Metropolitan Opera.
“Our annual New York trip offers a unique opportunity for our supporters to experience opera outside of our community, enjoy thoughtfully organized social events, and deepen their connection to the art form and each other as we approach the opening of our upcoming season,” said Walker. “Our event at The Lotus Club serves as a toast to our major supporters and board members, and a celebration of Palm Beach Opera’s 62nd Season.”
Attendees included Palm Beach Opera General & Artistic Director David Walker, Board Chairman David Genser, Carole and Stefano Acunto, Jeffrey Alderton, Kirstine Belongie, David Brodsky, Julie and Robert Desnick, Edward and Patricia Falkenberg, Henrietta Fridholm, Linda and Peter Hoffman, Robert Iommazzo, Florence Kaufman, Judy and Jerry Kaufman, Jacqueline McCabe, Elaine and Peter McCombs, Cindy Levine and Marc Solomon, Anne Sternlicht, Zibby Tozer, Rhetta Felton and Barry Tucker, and Ann Van Ness among others.
The 2024 Season kicks off on Dec. 9 with the annual Resident Artist Showcase, featuring the company’s resident artists in an intimate evening of opera scenes at The Cornelia T. Bailey Opera Center. Beginning in January, Palm Beach Opera will present Puccini’s “Tosca,” Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann,” and Bellini’s “Norma” at West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center. For more information, visit pbopera.org or call the box office at 561-833-7888.