On Friday, Oct. 21, the bar for charity balls was raised at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts as the scene of Operanation 8: A Muse Ball Presented by TD Bank Group unfolded with more than 1,000 guests. The magical evening raised $100,000 for the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals. The event has received outstanding acclaim from all who attended and is being heralded as the best one yet.
World-renowned singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright mesmerized guests, opening with a performance of his song, "The Art Teacher.” Wainwright interacted with the audience between songs before closing out with the rather timely “Going to a Town.”At midnight, Canadian breakthrough band Austra, along with the COC Ensemble Studio stars soprano Ambur Braid and baritone Adrian Kramer, rocked the house, with a performance that was described as both “being from a different time” and “rad” by onlookers. Joining in on Austra’s memorable singles, “Lose It” and “Beat and the Pulse,” Braid and Kramer offered powerful hits of classical opera sounds to the edgy combination of funky pop-dance-spin Austra is known for.
The musically-buoyed scene was punctuated by a fashion installation curated by RAC Boutique lining the main floor of the Four Seasons Centre. Statuesque models on lit platforms donned “muse”-inspired gowns by Canadian designers, Ashley Rowe, Calla, Joeffer Caoc, Arthur Mendonça, the latter three having recently held shows as part of Toronto’s Fashion Week activities.
At the top of the Grand Staircase, guests were treated to Between Two Pillars, a conversation-provoking art installation crafted by much-talked about visual artists Nadia Belerique and Jennifer Rose Sciarrino. From there it was on to sampling the signature drink of the night “The Muse,” taking in the sight of the lingerie-clad models doling samples of the Calvin Klein fragrance Forbidden Euphoria, and a stop at the multi-flavoured popcorn bar – one of the numerous culinary delights by Rose Reisman Catering.
Going up to the third ring of the Four Seasons Centre, it was a toss-up for popularity between the specially-designed rustic chic Balvenie Lounge, where malt specialists were on hand to deliver the ultimate Balvenie scotch tasting experience; the Hello! Canada magazine photo booth; and the chocolate bark and cheese stations.
From the high notes of the Rufus Wainwright and Austra performances to the high heels that sashayed through the Four Seasons Centre, there was no shortage of “muses” at Operanation 8. Shining among the inspired and inspiring attendees was the host of the evening, CP24’s Melissa Grelo, dressed in a beautiful Greta Constantine gown with jewellery by JdJ.
For more information about the event and how to donate, please contact Tracy Briggs, Special Events Manager.
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