The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Opus Ball at the Orpheum Theater was a musical celebration of people and place.
The party on May 20 commemorated two people who have long been identified with the LPO: Music Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and philanthropist Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin.
Benjamin is a longtime supporter of the arts, among other organizations, in New Orleans. This was the first year for the Opus Ball Award, and the LPO was inspired by her generosity, perseverance and leadership.
Prieto was at the LPO for 17 years and has stepped down. Dr. Stephen Hales, who co-chaired the event with his wife, Nancy Hales, said, “The Opus Ball, honoring Carlos Miguel Prieto and his long tenure as the LPO’s music director, was a bittersweet evening, undeniable evidence of the powerful connection Carlos has forged with the New Orleans community.”
Before the concert began, there was a three-course seated dinner catered by Bella Luna Catering with Chef Robyn Evans in the area in front of the stage, which also acted as seating for the concert. People could also just go to the concert and arrive later to sit in the theater’s balcony.
For Prieto’s final concert at the Orpheum Theater (which has amazing acoustics), the full LPO performed the world premiere of a piece by Jay Weigel, then Copland’s Symphony No. 3. In the second half of the concert, guest artists Jon Cleary and Tank and the Bangas performed accompanied by the orchestra.
Fun Fact: Gala attendees all received a baton with their table number and a program conducted by Prieto during his tenure.
Ana Gershanik, Dr. Juan Gershanik
Anwar Nasir, Nancy Hales, Dr. Stephen Hales
Carlos Miguel Prieto, Cecilia Prieto, Carlos Prieto III, Isabel Mariscal Prieto
Dr. Donna Tesi, Dr. Bernie Jaffe
Ranney Mize, Pattie Adams
