Zandra Rhodes and San Diego Opera.
Fashion icon and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes thrust the fashion world forward with her punk ethos and redefinition of the rules. She is a world treasure and she sits on the San Diego Opera Board of Directors where she has helped steer the Company through its own dramatic redefinition. A vanguard of the wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of the international fashion scene, Zandra designed for Princes Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Diana Ross, Freddie Mercury and Elizabeth Taylor. Always expanding her horizons, she began to design for opera – notably costumes for The Magic Flute, and sets and costumes for The Pearl Fishers – for San Diego Opera. And the world took notice. She later designed Aida which, like her other opera productions, have been seen around the world, dazzling audiences with her signature style. The Chatham, Kent, native is founder of the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Zandra, who is also a gourmet cook, splits her time between London and Del Mar.
San Diego Opera is a widely respected member of the international opera community and has been an invaluable resource to our region for over 50 years. While remaining true to the traditions of grand opera through its popular mainstage season at the Civic Theatre, the Company has embraced Zandra’s ethos and is reinventing the rules of what opera is, and what it can be. Its wildly inventive dētour Series explores what opera is outside the boundaries of grand opera, while still honoring the expressive nature of the vocal arts. The results are intimate, powerful and often surprising. With the mission to present exciting and exceptional performances, innovative programming, accessibility and community relevance, San Diego Opera’s future has never been brighter.
Zandra Rhodes. San Diego Opera. Two cultural icons. Committed to spirited innovation. With cutting -edge energy and reputations. Always looking forward. And now, they are partnering for the Opera Ball.
San Diego Opera’s Ball is an elegant night for fun firebrands, for pink provocateurs, rosy raconteurs, for those who will strut (or dance) down the pink carpet to their own beat and anyone who is tired of the status quo. The fabulous flair filled evening will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018 at The US Grant Hotel. So grab your partner, your friends, and get your tickets early because space is limited and you don’t want to miss this- attire is black tie, but pink is encouraged! Still honoring the galas of yesterday, there will be dinner and dancing, drinks and diversions, but experienced through the kaleidoscopic filter of Zandra and the newly reinvented San Diego Opera. Think of it as a dētour from the traditional!
