Steppin' out, my dear, to breathe an atmosphere that simply reeks with class

I've just been to Lyric Opera's 50th Anniversary Gala. Un peu extravagant, but fun, and I got to dress up. After all, the ticket folder did say, Many of our guests will be wearing formal attire for this very special event." Not to be outdone, mojosmom wore her black "Madame X" dress. It was relatively warm, so instead of mom's long black velvet evening coat, I threw on a kimono I got in Japan, black with metallic embroidered cranes along the bottom. After all, you have to look fabulous if you're going to walk on a red carpet. Champagne flowed and there were lots of hors d'œuvres, both at the reception beforehand and at intermission. I ran into Ed and Eric, both looking handsome in tuxes. (What is it about black tie? It's very difficult for a man to look bad in black tie.) The "program" is a 200+ page commemorative book. (OH! I'd better register it!)

The concert was incredible. Nearly four hours of gorgeous music, including Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, Sam Ramey, Bryn Terfel, Susan Graham, David Daniels, James Morris, Jane Eaglen, Elizabeth Futral, Frederica von Stade, Deborah Voight and lots more. Bruno Bartoletti and Sir Andrew Davis shared the podium, and the chorus was its usual splendid self. Twenty-four people of importance to Lyric were honored, nine of whom were present. Chicago's own Maria Tallchief, who has been Lyric's Ballet Director, was one. I remember, as a very young girl, seeing her dance The Firebird; it's one of my earliest cultural memories. Giulietta Simionata flew in from Italy, prompting the guy behind me, who'd been giving his companion a running commentary, to say, "I thought she was dead!" LOL!

A good time was had by all.