Who says singing and fashion can’t go together? The “Promenade de L’Opera,” held Oct. 23, included a fashion show and luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. Hosted by the New Orleans Opera’s Women’s Guild, “Autumn Dazzle”—the event’s theme—was presented by the Shops at Canal Place. Chaired by Brenda Reilly, Barbara Heard and Sonda Nagy, the benefit featured special guest artist, Anthony Lacuria, who is an internationally known opera star and a tenor with the New York Metropolitan Opera. The many delighted guests spent time checking out the latest fashions, sipping cocktails and bidding on items in the silent auction.
On Nov. 19, the Junior Committee of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association threw a special party at the New Orleans Board of Trade: the 19th annual Wine Auction. The fête featured a patron party with a performance by Maria Thomas, and silent and live auctions throughout the evening. The food and drinks were also top-notch: the Chateau Sonesta Hotel, Crescent City Cakes, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, Impastato’s, Korbel Champagne and Martin Wine Cellar all generously donated to the soirée. Erin Luetkemeier and Kathleen Robert were event co-chairs, and wine co-chairs were Julie Habetz and Chantel Laporte.
Both events served a greater purpose as proceeds support the New Orleans Opera Association and its programs.
“Promenade de l’Opera” event co-chair Brenda Reilly, Carla MorphyAdams, event co-chair Barbara Heard and event co-chair Sonda Nagy
Julia Newsham, Diane Dupin and Jeri Nims
Louana DeMatteo, Betty Davidson, Anthony Laciura and Eileen Capritto
Kearney Robert, Wine Auction event co-chairs Kathleen Robert and Erin Luetkemeier, and Hans Luetkemeier
photos: Nijme Rinaldi Nu
Irene Klinger, Barbara Ballard, and Mary Walther
Maria Thomas, Patrick van Hoorebeek and Charla Spalluto
Tami Curtis-Ellis, Julie Habetz, Jeanne Breaux and Chantel Laporte
Jeanne Ogden, Angele Thionville and Hillary Hillyer
