On September 7, San Francisco Opera opened it's 90th anniversary season with an exuberant, elegant celebration at the War Memorial Opera House. The evening's theme—Notte di Spendore—telegraphed the gala's highlight: a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s brilliant and dramatic Rigoletto conducted by Music Director Nicola Luisotti.

Guests all enjoyed a gorgeous tented Opera Ball Pavilion designed by Robert Fountain, under which McCall's Catering & Events curated a grand feast. The ball was presented by the San Francisco Opera Guild, with proceeds funding award-winning programs benefiting more than 60,000 students in over 230 schools throughout Northern California.

Photos: Drew Altizer Photography