Elegance and opulence: Check out the gowns, decor at Nashville Opera's La Bella Notte

The theme of the Nashville Opera’s big night was The Gilded Age, a time of American opulence, wealth and frivolity in the late 1800's. It was also a time when the contributions of the wealthy were so profound, some are still realized today by way of museums, parks and opera houses.

The New York Vanderbilt family chronicled in the TV series, "The Gilded Age," contributed greatly to many in need but also to institutions of learning. Our very own Vanderbilt University in Nashville was founded with an endowed gift of $1 million from Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1873.

But, for the Nashville Opera’s largest fundraiser, La Bella Notte, the state-of-the-art Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, on the award-winning Belmont University campus, was selected as venue for the first time this year.

Co-chairs Julie and Dr. John Schneider selected the Dallas-based Jackson Durham Events to manage and execute their vision.

John Schneider said, ‘It is all Julie.”

Jackson Durham created an ambience that was over-the-top-elegant in every way. The table centerpieces alternated with candelabrum and flowers, and the vintage look of the china was a handsome detail, set with golden flatware atop the lush dusty blue and rose velvet tablecloths.

A top drawer silent auction was curated by Reed Bogle, and later in the evening, Mac Hardcastle drew high bids in a short live auction, adding to the Nashville Opera's coffers to help fund education and engagement programs.

Judy and Bob Fisher were honorary co-chairs. Bob Fisher is the former president of the university and his wife is credited with the landscaping around campus. The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is named in appreciation for their contributions.

Past Nashville Opera Board President Don Holmes, who received The Francis Robinson and Marion Couch Award for his contribution to Nashville Opera, gave an inspiring acceptance speech.

“There are two words or phrases that transcend all barriers; greeting others with a smile and genuine hello, and saying thank you," he said. "These are the words that are internationally recognized and appreciated."

Holmes received two standing ovations, one when introduced and one after his speech.

Flavor Catering created a lavish meal for the affair that began with a lacinato kale and butternut squash salad dressed with buttermilk cheddar, pecan, pomegranate and lemon maple vinaigrette. Coffee-rubbed filet mignon with hazelnut crema was the next course, served with smoked cremini mushroom, pea tendrils, charred broccolini with chive compound butter and creamy risotto with wilted spinach. And, for dessert, guests enjoyed salted maple chess pie with maple cream and sage.

Between courses, everyone was treated to entertainment from Soprano Sarah Joy Miller, who has appeared as Christina Nilsson on HBO’s "The Gilded Age," and Tenor Adam Diegel in addition to the four Mary Ragland Emerging Artists recipients, Soprano Sabreena Cherrington, Mezzo-soprano Maria De Conzo, Tenor Jordan Costa and Baritone Andrew Payne.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Take a peek: Nashville Opera fundraiser celebrates elegance, opulence