ARIA: Ignite: LA Opera’s Season Opening Gala

A Party So Hot…It Sizzled..

by Leticia Marie Sanchez

Photography and text © 2012 Leticia Marie Sanchez

Cultural Cocktail Hour® is a registered trademark

As Marilyn Monroe would say, Some Like it Hot.

ARIA’s Ignite Opening Gala was so hot that it sizzled. And I’m not just talking about the over 100 degree heat wave that just so happened to hit LA that night. Leave it to Plácido. When Maestro Domingo sings, the temperature rises. Literally.

The gala’s Hot Factor also came from the vibrant red decor and striking images of sizzling fire all around LA Opera. Even Jacques Lipchitz’s sculpture took on a sexy red-hot hue for the Ignite party. The fire motif proved a clever allusion to the carnivalesque fire thrower in the dramatic last act of Verdi’s “The Two Foscari, ” an opera received with rousing standing ovations earlier that evening.

The gala’s atmosphere evoked a Venetian carnival with bodice-clad fire throwers, jubilant band, and baristas whose whimsical pink tutus called to mind the hats of mischievous harlequins. Gala guests mingled not only with the opera’s talented crew and stars, including Mr. Domingo (the Doge of Venice himself!) but also with Aria Gala Chair Stana Katic, star of the show “Castle.” Even the dance floor emanated an artistic-red hue as guests danced the night away, leaving no doubt that ARIA’s Ignite Gala was the hottest ticket in town.