Amazon-Themed Gala Launches Pittsburgh Opera’s 81st Season

Over 200 guests celebrated the beginning of Pittsburgh Opera’s 81st season at the 65th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball. Held on September 28 at the Omni William Penn, the event raised close to $200,000 for Pittsburgh Opera.

In honor of Pittsburgh Opera’s upcoming production “Florencia en el Amazonas,” the evening’s theme was Jewel of the Amazon. Highlights included a stunning performance by Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists and music by the Diamante String Orchestra. Hors d’oeuvres featured prosciutto & fig bruschetta, wild mushroom arancini, lobster arancini, and scallops wrapped in jalapeño bacon. The magnificent dinner included pan roasted Chilean Seabass with brown butter sauce and candied lemon, plus double cut lamb chops with Syrah jus.

Jewel of the Amazon was co-chaired by James Snyder, Danielle Katz, Michael Komo, and Rebecca & David Belczyk. Guests included Jim and Melanie Crockard, Conor Lamb and Hayley Haldeman, Vivian and Bill Benter, Harris and Alex Heit, Mildred Miller Posvar and her daughter Marina Posvar, Gene Welsh & Marty Healey, Susan Loutsion, Marianne Cornetti, Diana Reid & Marc Chauzaud, Michele Fabrizi, Casey Pratkanis, and Celia Soehner.