Hollywood Beat

Los Angeles Opera 25th Anniversary & Hispanics for the Opera

Los Angeles Opera 25th Anniversary & Hispanics for the Opera

The opening of the Opera is always the official opening of the Social Season in Los Angeles – and this year it proved to launch several new beginnings.

Not only was it the 25th Anniversary of our own Opera Company (headed by Placido Domingo) but also the world premiere of Il Postino by Daniel Catan.

This charming “Love Letter” based upon the award winning Italian flick, stared Domingo as the Poet, Pablo Nerudo; while his erstwhile postman friend, Mario, was sung ably by handsome Charles Castronovo. Reviews for this poetic dream opera have been superlative, and I just want to add that that it appeals to everyone – even those who are not particularly opera buffs like moi.

Another debut was the naming of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion’s Grand Hall for Eva and Marc Stern, who are major donors to the Music Center.  Stern is chief executive of the TCW Group, and Board Chairman of the L.A. Opera.  The Hispanics for the Opera welcomed him and his wife, when they  held their annual Placido Domingo Awards a few nights later.

Alicia and Edward Clark, who founded this support group, and are good friends of the composer Daniel Catan, are to be lauded for their special commissioning support of Il Postino.  Kudos also to Barbara Augusta Teichert, who continued her tradition of underwriting operas, for her generous gifts.

The event was held in the elegant Salvatore Room, where guests enjoyed dinner from Patina.  Naturally, Domingo joined the festivities after his stellar performance, and presented the Hispanic Artist award to Soprano Fabiola Herrera. After singing her heart out in the role of Donna Rosa, she was still exuberant and charming in accepting her award.

Some of the other prestigious guests in attendance included producer Dan Guererro, David & Priscilla Lizarraga, Dolores Elena Richardson, H. Juan Marcos Gutierrez- Gonzalez, Consul General of Mexico and Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter.

Muchas Gracias  to the Dinner Chairs Marlen Marroquin and Connie Spenuzza, and their hard working committee for an evening of elegance and beauty.

Eva Stern, Placido Domingo and Dolores Elena Richardson at Hispanics for the Opera

Placido Doming with Marlen Marroquin, Dinner Chair

Opera star Fabiola Herrera (Il Postino) with Marc Stern

Underwriters (Il Postino) Alica & Ed Clark with Barbara Augusta Teichart