An American Masterpiece, a Grammy Win To Celebrate and No Tragic Ending — Houston Grand Opera’s Opening Night Hits the Mark
A Major Return With Intelligence
By Shelby Hodge //
What: Houston Grand Opera Opening Night and Celebration Dinner
Where: Wortham Theater Center and Fish Plaza
PC Moment: Following the remarkable Houston Grand Opera’s season opener of Carlisle Floyd’s American masterpiece Susannah in a reimagined staging from acclaimed soprano and director Patricia Racette, the party began in earnest — despite the opera’s tragic ending.
The black-tie coterie flowed into a lavish party tent on the plaza where The Events Company had created a tableau mimicking sunset in the Appalachian Mountains. The autumnal hues and lush greenery created a warm, immersive setting inspired by the world of Susannah.
The evening served not only to celebrate the launch of the season but also of James Gaffigan’s return to the podium as Houston Grand Opera’s new music director designate and of the company’s 2026 Grammy Award. HGO board chair Astley Blair reflected on the company winning “Best Recording” of Intelligence, a Civil War-era world-premiere opera commissioned and produced by Houston Grand Opera.
In her remarks, HGO general director and CEO Khori Dastoor celebrated the company’s growth and artistic aspirations as it begins the 72nd season. As is tradition, stars of the production were introduced by the music director.
SHOP
The dinner menu from City Kitchen gave a nod to the opera setting beginning with a baby romaine salad with pickled okra, black-eyed peas and mustard vinaigrette, followed by quail stuffed with wild mushrooms and finished with a flourless chocolate torte with a playful s’mores twist.
The late night celebration dinner was chaired by Sylvia Barnes and Jim Trimble, welcoming the 370 opera lovers who joined in the evening’s success of raising $640,000.
PC Seen: Teresa and José Ivo, Viviana Jolie, Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg, Patrick Summers, Margaret Alkek Williams, Renu and Suresh Khator, Dian and Harlan Stai, Farida Abjani, Molly and Jim Crownover, Isabel and Danny David, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Katy and Logan Boatman, Norma and Beto Cardenas, and Janet Clark.
Trending
- Fort Worth’s 14 Most Anticipated New Restaurant Openings This Fall
- Dennis Quaid and His English Bulldog Peaches Keep Houston’s $1.2 Million Howl-O-Ween Ball Rocking
- Houston’s New Michelin Buzzed Over Pizza Restaurant and the Chris Bianco Disciple Behind It — The Angie’s Pizza Frenzy Only Builds
- How Fort Worth’s Studio 74 Vintage Became One of the Most Recognized Vintage Stores in the Country
- The Best Halloween Events and Things to Do in Dallas This Spooky Season
_md.png){kind=logo}
_md.jpg)
_md.jpeg)
