OPERADELAWARE 824 North Market St. Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19801-3024 Contact: Julie Van Blarcom Executive Director (302) 658-8063 Fax 302-658-4991 jvanblarcom@operadel.org For Immediate Release – December 11, 2000 OPERADELAWARE KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH STYLE There was something for everyone at OPERADELAWARE’s first gala celebration in Wilmington. The evening was headlined by international opera superstar Denyce Graves in concert at the Grand Opera House accompanied by the Delaware Symphony orchestra as well as her own jazz trio. A special pre-performance dinner was held in the atrium at Hercules Plaza for over 200 OPERADELAWARE benefactors, who were then transported to the Grand Opera House for the evening’s festivities. Governor and Mrs. Carper, Governor-Elect Ruth Ann Minner, former governors Peterson and Wolf, Hercules CEO Tom Gossage, Verizon CEO Josh Martin and wife Cynthia Primo Martin, Michelle Rollins, John and Diana Rollins and John Rollins III, Robert Buccini, Tom and Linda Knox, Lynn and Rod Sharp, Coleman and Susy Townsend, Basell President Chuck Platz and his wife Judy, Riverfront Development Corporation CEO Mike Purzycki, Delaware River and Bay Authority Executive Director Mike Harkins and WHYY President Bill Marrazzo were among the many corporate and civic leaders in attendance. The concert was preceded by a tribute to Governor and Mrs. Carper, thanking them for their support of the arts during the Governor’s tenure. The curtain went up, revealing the Delaware Symphony poised to play. Maestro Stephen Gunzenhauser and the Delaware Symphony began the program with the playing of the national anthem, enhanced with singing from audience members, including University of Delaware music students. Then Denyce Graves strode on stage from the wings, and the crowd knew that this was going to be One Special Night. Ms. Graves, in a stunning red gown and clutching a single red rose, began by presenting two of the opera favorites that she has made her own in grand opera houses throughout the world, the Habanera and Seguidilla from Carmen. Ms. Graves’ smoldering presence underscored the beauty of her singing, setting the tone for a night of music that included opera, American classics and popular songs. Backed by her own trio, Ms. Graves presented a version of the Beatles Norwegian Wood in a stunning example of her mezzo-soprano vocal range. The concert ended with a standing ovation and an encore, and the evening moved to a party that set new standards for celebrating with style. Wilmington’s own Raye Jones & Adagio entertained with classic jazz on the first floor of the Baby Grand, while upstairs the 52nd Street Swing Band of New York City kept the dance floor crowded until 1:00 a.m. Conga lines started almost instantly and continued through out the night. Elegant hors d’ oeuvres and desserts, some of which were imported directly from France, were plentiful, along with an oyster bar and top shelf refreshments rounding out a menu that drew raves. Sugarfoot of Wilmington. provided catering. A great mix of people from opera students to corporate and civic leaders enjoyed the concert and party together. In addition to Wilmington guests, people came from Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia. Ms. Graves’ parents and family and Maurice Elderidge, er former high school principal from the Duke Ellington School for the Arts in Washington, D.C., were among the many fans in attendance. OPERADELAWARE had promoted the evening as "One Special Night" and it certainly was. A world class opera singer, great music, elegant entertainment, terrific food and drink and a party that really partied all added up to One Special Night.