Sing Bravely, Sing Out

La Bella Notte brings the power and passion of a beautiful night at the opera

Though Punxsutawney Phil had just predicted six more weeks of winter, opera aficionados donned their springtime best and entered an evening inspired by Botticelli’s famous painting, “La Primavera.” At Grand Hyatt Nashville, flowers adorned every decoration and most of the dresses for a very special occasion: La Bella Notte 2023.

Cocktail hour hummed as guests pondered and bid on auction items. A wide variety of lots were available throughout the night, including several once-in-a-lifetime trips, wines galore, and a walk-on role in next season’s opening Nashville Opera-helmed production. Co-chaired by philanthropic power-couple Sharon and Todd Sandahl, this year’s gala of song celebrated and supported the Nashville Opera’s education and engagement programs.

John Hoomes — by day, the CEO and artistic director of the Nashville Opera — made an excellent master of ceremonies by night. He put the crowd at ease with fantastic anecdotes from his storied career; there was even a tale of a director pulling some — allegedly — Vatican-level strings to put on Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore in a cathedral.

This year’s class of Mary Ragland Emerging Artists stunned with reverberating vibrato and soaring melodies, accompanying Act I’s salad of winter greens and Act II’s entrée of beef filet alongside a duo of sweet and russet potatoes. As Act II wound to a close, Todd and Sharon stood to thank guests and announced the chairs of La Bella Notte 2024: John and Julie Schneider, another powerhouse pair.

Friends of Nashville Opera President Tracey Pearson and Board President Cheryl Carr also presented the Francis Robinson & Marion Couch Award to Linda and Jim Marler, dedicated supporters of both the Nashville Opera and its Friends. Linda and Jim received enthusiastic applause as their contributions to both organizations were made known.

Guests were treated to a delicious duo of sachertorte and caramelized white chocolate mousse as they took in Act III. Finally, a rousing sing-along perfectly described the event and rounded out the evening: It was a beautiful night, and they called it La Bella Notte.

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND