Opera Ball 2013

Venture Down the Spice Route with Us

Chairs Ingrid Brown and Troy Tyner with their committee spent almost a year planning the most exotic Opera Ball ever!  The journey was on April 20, 2013, at the  new, unique location, Top of the Market, which was transformed to take you from the Orient to Venice.

  

 

 

The Spice Route brings many exotic images to mind. The colors are dazzling, the smells rich and the sounds have a haunting quality.   Top of the Market (as seen above) was completely transformed to immerse everyone into what lured Marco Polo and others to travel that road. Most photos are thanks to Amanda Barbosa.

The Bazaar (Silent Auction) was stocked with goods for every taste. There were sumptuous wine baskets, colorful and historic artwork, stunning jewelry, restaurant packages, spa experiences and so much more.

  

 

  

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In the Live Auction: Terra Cotta Warrior – “High Ranking Officer”

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is the name given to the collection of terra cotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.  After his death, in 210 BC, a collection of over 9,000 soldiers, chariots and horses were buried around his tomb to protect him in the afterlife.  The work on this tomb began in 246 BC, shortly after Emperor Qin’s ascension to the throne at the age of only 13.  This involved 700,000 workers.

The statues remained hidden until March 29, 1974, when a local farmer digging for a well discovered them. The figures are life-size and very heavy weighing about 600 pounds each.   It is estimated that there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses buried around Emperor Qin’s burial site. To date three pits of statues have been excavated in Xian.  Only a portion of the statues excavated has been fully restored.  The rest are still buried beneath the earth.  The discovery of these artifacts put Xian, China, on the map as a major attraction for tourists from around the world.

In 2007 Dr. Jeff Rogers traveled to Xian, China.  The treasures fascinated Dr. Rogers.  It was a very warm day, and after a few cold Chinese beers, he decided that he needed several such warriors to protect him!  A few weeks later a small Terra Cotta army was sitting in his garage.  To date, each of these warrior reproductions has found a spot in Dr. Rogers’ home except for this “High Ranking Officer” who has watched over Dr. Rogers’ BMW.  It is at this point that Dr. Rogers has donated this timeless piece to the Dayton Opera to be offered in the auction.  His hopes are the General will find a place inside someone’s warm home instead of his garage!

                                                                                    Courtesy of Dr. Jeff Rogers and Keith Salm

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It was an evening to remember. There were belly dancers, a snake charmer, a Spice Merchant and fortune tellers. Guests were able to  watch the unforgettable movie Casablanca on the big screen. The late evening treats at the Venetian dessert bar were decacent.

 

The Committee

The Guild is extremely grateful to our Marco Polo Sponsor for the evening–Kettering Health Network. Endless thanks to them.

The band was Different Hats Dance Orchestra. They mixed so many memorable songs from the 20′s, 30′s and more into the evening’s repertoire.  Sample their unique sound on their Website by clicking here.

  

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Opera Ball 2012 Revisited

SWINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! The Tom Daugherty Orchestra enticed many feet to tap right out onto the dance floor at Dayton Country Club on March 3. Flappers and their escorts added the special bling of ropey pearls and feathers or a classy top hat to their gowns and black tie attire. Guests admired a gorgeous Packard on display in front of the club before going inside to toast with champagne, bathtub gin and wine. Guests dined on a gourmet meal of salmon and filet mignon. The dessert was the divine chocolate creation. The Silent and Live Auctions offered a plethora of wonderful items. It was an unforgettable evening. See the entire album from Opera Ball 2012 on our Facebook.

    

Photos by Amanda Barbosa

Live Auction

Item #1 – Aaron Basha Diamond-Studded Shoe

Mothers and grandmothers are among the most special people in our lives. Celebrate that remarkable person in your life with a truly unique charm designed by Aaron Basha. This stunning pink baby shoe of 18k gold showcases a diamond studded bow of .11 cts. Add a chain to make an eye-catching necklace or add to a bracelet to commemorate an unforgettable little girl. Aaron Basha’s luxury brand is known for its whimsical designs.  Most celebrated for their famous baby shoe pendants, Aaron Basha fine jewelry brings style and elegance to every creation, while consistently following its trademark theme “Forever Young.” All designs are delicately handcrafted in Italy.                 Courtesy of Wayne and Norva Loyd

 

Item #2 – Supernumerary for opera season opener in October 2012

You are the Star! Join the cast as a supernumerary during an October 2012 performance which opens the 2012-2013 season. Enjoy this special moment of fame. Courtesy of Dayton Opera Association

Item #3 – Vacation in Big Sky

Travel to Big Sky, Montana, where a beautiful home awaits! This luxury residence includes four bedrooms, three baths and can accommodate 10 to 12 adults comfortably. Only six miles from the Big Sky ski resort, it’s just a short ride (on the free shuttle) to some of the best skiing in the US. Scenic views of the Gallatin Mountain Range can be seen while lounging in the private hot tub. Go in the winter and ski some of America’s most beautiful trails. Go in the summer and enjoy golf or the zip line adventure.  And nearby is Yellowstone National Park. Dates should be negotiated with the owners, who will open their vacation home to the winning bidder.          Courtesy of Roger and Carolynn Brislawn

   

Item #4 – Oriental Rug

Enhance the décor of any room with this magnificent 6’ x 9’ Oriental rug which was hand-woven in China in the Persian Tabriz design. The rich burgundy, mauve, navy blue, turquoise and cream tones are vibrant and pleasing. It will draw compliments in any home.

                                                  Courtesy of Paul and Susie Weaver, Mousaian Oriental Rugs

Item #5 – New York, New York

Pack your bags and get ready to fly away with your companion on Delta Airlines from Dayton or Cincinnati to fabulous New York City. Stay in a King Room at The Lowell, a luxurious hotel on the Upper East Side, for two weekend nights. Only the temptation of your dinner for two at “21” will entice you to leave those wonderful digs. Well, maybe you might want to shop, catch a show, visit the museums and soak up all the glamour of New York. Enjoy an unforgettable time in the Big Apple. Note: The Lowell King Room is based upon space availability in March, July or August, 2012.                                                                                  Courtesy of Tony Huffman, Huffman Travel

             

 

Item #6 – Mikimoto Pearls

Someone is going to feel extra special when they wear this breathtaking Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace with signature clasp of 18k gold. Pearls are timeless and perfect for nearly every occasion.                                                                         Courtesy of James Free Jewelers

Gold Key Raffle

Once again the Guild offered cash as the prize for the renowned Gold Key Raffle. This year the lucky winner  received $2,012 for opening the lock with their key. The winner quickly donated the prize back to the Guild. The Guild is extremely grateful for that show of generosity.