Barbara Urddy with Nelson and Grethcen Cover. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

The soaring marble foyer and elegant dining hall of the Grand Harbor Golf Club was transformed for one magical evening into a 17th century Venetian palazzo, as members of the Vero Beach Opera gathered for their annual Grande Masque Ball in celebration of VBO’s exciting 35th season.

As their Venetian alter egos, attendees were adorned in chic black or dazzling jewel-colored gowns, elegant black tie and stunning Venetian masks, all of which summoned the spirit of 17th century Venice, the beating heart of opera itself.

Greeting guests as they arrived were Marcia Loewinger, adorned in stylish white curls, a demure fan, gold mask and blue satin ball gown, and husband Dr. Robert Loewinger, VBO vice president, who channeled the Marquis de Sade, complete with knee-breeches.

Also welcoming invitees were Roman and Joan Ortega-Cowan, artistic advisor and board president, respectively, he with a swooshing black cape, and she with a feathery black and gold mask.

Jon Bell, host of WQCS radio’s Skywatch, and a member of the VBO chorus, appropriately chose to attend as astronomer Galileo, and John Abbott, accompanied by wife Judith, was unmistakably masked as the mysterious Phantom of the Opera.

Another stylish gentleman, Robert Kleinschmidt of corporate sponsor Tocqueville Asset Management, was equally stylish, sporting a black mask, gold bow tie and pocket square.

Acclaimed soprano Lisa Eden, a multiple award winner, including two Grammys, looked delightful in a multi-hued sheath and purple butterfly mask.

Marcia Robbins-Wilf and Dr. Perry Robins wowed in gold, including striking masks; Barbara Ruddy topped her chic black-and-white polka dot jacket with a sparkling red and black mask embellished with “diamonds”; Ed Halsey charmingly channeled Bob Marley in a colorful Rasta beret; and Linda Teetz was stunning in a long, emerald green and black satin coat with a green mask.

A hum of conversation mixed with the dinner music, and following dessert, guests were treated to a private concert.

Coloratura soprano Maria Aleida and Cuban tenor Eduardo Salles mesmerized the opera-loving gathering with songs ranging from Verdi to Lehar, Bublé to Elvis, as well as the dramatic title duet from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”

As the famous music filled the room, Salles brought all the dark drama to his Phantom, the piece culminating with Aleida as Christine nailing the highest note in the show, an unbelievable E6, with breathtaking ease.

The vocally well-matched pair also performed the moving “Time to Say Goodbye,” a signature piece of the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, who Aleida has performed it with on world tours.

The VBO season concludes with the 2024 Rising Stars Vocal Competition April 10-12, where top rising opera singers bring their ‘A’ game as they compete for cash prizes, including a $10,000 first prize.

Photos by Joshua Kodis