LA Opera
Elizabeth Segerstrom chairs the 2022 Opera Ball
Henry Segerstrom and his wife Elizabeth believed strongly in the power of opera as art, a legacy Elizabeth continues today. The couple supported opera companies and performances through their philanthropy, hosted galas and special performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and were devoted patrons and audience members.
In 2006, when the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall debuted, the celebration hosted by Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom included Southern California’s first complete production of Richard Wagner’s operatic Ring Cycle. For Henry’s 88th birthday celebration in 2011, opera star Renée Fleming flew across the country to perform an evening of arias and popular music in his honor at the sold-out Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Today, Elizabeth Segerstrom is a major supporter of opera in Southern California. Most recently, she chaired the LA Opera’s black-tie Opera Ball. Held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles, it was an elegant affair that celebrated the opening of LA Opera’s 37th season. The Opera Ball was a major success, raising $1.3 million and opening Southern California’s social season with style and enthusiasm.
“It’s especially meaningful for me that my friend Elizabeth Segerstrom is serving as tonight’s gala chair, Christopher Koelsch, CEO and President of LA Opera. “You can see and feel her exquisite taste in everything around you, and she’s made it possible to have South Coast Plaza as an additional corporate sponsor.”
The Opera Ball drew some 400 guests to the Music Center’s Plaza and featured a stunning decor aesthetic. “Look around you, this is an incredibly beautiful evening,” said Keith Leonard, Chairman of the Board, LA Opera. “I want to thank Elizabeth Segerstrom. She has given incredible and meaningful support and guidance to this evening’s celebration. The elegance and glamour that she brings to everything she touches is evident.”
The Opera Ball included a performance of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, a co-production with Metropolitan Opera. Lucia was on stage through October 9. Upcoming LA Opera productions include the West Coast premiere of Omar (Oct. 22-Nov. 13); Angel Blue as Tosca (Nov 19-Dec. 10), featuring Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv in her company debut; and The Marriage of Figaro (Feb. 4-26, 2023) featuring costumes by designer Christian Lacroix, among other operas and performances.
There will be more opera news and performances to come, thanks to Elizabeth Segerstrom’s support: “I’m especially moved by your desire to expand the reach of arts across all of Southern California and for all that you’re doing to make that happen,” Leonard told Mrs. Segerstrom.
“The best part about Elizabeth, beyond the glamour that she brings to everything she does, is that she is a long-standing champion of the best of the performing arts across the entire world,” added Koelsch. “And so, I’m thrilled to hint that her advocacy for the LA Opera will result in some exciting future endeavors for LA Opera.”
For tickets and more information: laopera.org