Kathy's behind the scenes high notes … 

 The social season in Phoenix has begun. The wonderful news for the non-profits which benefit from the many fundraising parties is- that the calendar is busy.  As some partygoers are saying, “so many parties so little time.” Well here are some high notes. LITERALLY. 

Supporters of the Arizona Opera are applauding its news to move the organization’s headquarters to Phoenix and a first time fundraiser. The “Dine by Design” brought an intimate group of opera aficionados together at Palavela Home for a salon performance by four of the opera’s resident artists. 

Ryan O’Meara with mom Sue O’Meara

 Palavela Home is owned by interior designer (former Olympic skater) Ryan O’Meara. The mini sample performance amidst the décor of the Spanish Revival-inspired interior design showroom made for an elegant evening of culture.  

The new fundraiser  was intended for first-time opera-goers, young professionals and culture-loving foodies. Guests enjoyed the mini-performance of Italian inspired opera samplings  of popular operatic arias and duets, including selections from Arizona Opera’s 2011-12 season, accompanied by Arizona Opera Chorus Master Henri Venanzi. 

Following the half hour concert, guests departed for dinner at five gourmet Scottsdale eateries:  J&G Steakhouse at the Phoenician, Petite Maison, Taggia at Firesky Resort and Spa, Malee’s Thai Bistro and Wildfish Seafood Grille.

Among the distinguished partygoers were Dr. Sanford and Marcia Roth, Doctors Jerome and Selma Targovnik and Jack and Bev Clifford.

Jack Clifford, Bev Clifford, David Christensen

Pictured above at the event with Opera Board Chairman David Christensen are Jack and Bev Clifford. Jack Clifford, (a broadcasting pioneer and philanthropic and civic leader) and his wife are opera, classical music and ballroom dance enthusiasts.)

 Guests at the fundraiser for the Arizona Opera praised the performance and the progress of the Opera Company’s new home and the announcement between the Arizona Opera and Steinway Piano Showroom of Arizona, in which Steinway is the official piano for the Company. 

Matt Erickson and Brittney Stanton

The Opera’s headquarters will move to its new home next year on Central Ave in Phoenix in the heart of the city’s culture district.   The 16,800 square-foot-building, formerly the corporate offices and showroom of Walsh Brothers Furniture, was purchased by the city of Phoenix with funds from 2006 voter-approved Bonds. The new headquarters formerly located in Tucson, will be directly across from the Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Theater, and down the block from the Heard Museum.

Supporters of the Arizona Opera are  thrilled to have found such a perfect location for our new home, near to our sister arts organizations and directly on the light rail route, easily accessible by Metro light rail.

 “This is a watershed moment for Arizona Opera and a true foundation for the future,” commented David Christensen, chairman of the board at Arizona Opera. “We are thankful to the many individuals who, over the past several years, have worked tirelessly on this project. Arizona Opera has a bright future and is destined to be a beacon of the arts in downtown Phoenix.” 

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based reporter and photographer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it