The Atlanta Opera Gala
Bel Canto
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Flourish Atlanta
Honorees: Victoria & Howard Palefsky
Co-Chairs: Talia Murphy & Roxanne Varzi
Step into a world of timeless beauty and exquisite music at the Bel Canto Gala, benefiting The Atlanta Opera. An evening dedicated to opera and celebration, guests will experience the elegance of 19th-century Europe with soaring performances, exquisite cuisine, and exciting auctions, all while raising vital funds to support the mission of The Atlanta Opera.
Whether you’re a lifelong opera lover or simply looking for a night of culture and elegance, the Bel Canto Gala promises an unforgettable experience of grandeur and artistry.
For more information, contact Erin Turner, [email protected].
Victoria & Howard Palefsky
Bel Canto will honor Victoria & Howard Palefsky, whose impact on Atlanta has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Palefskys have passionately worked to secure more than $200 million for various arts and cultural organizations in Atlanta.
Victoria has served on several boards, including the Alliance Theatre (past chair), Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and ARTS ATL, and she has chaired The Atlanta Opera Gala on two occasions, The Swan House Ball, and the Atlanta Symphony Ball, among others.
Howard currently serves on The Atlanta Opera board and chairs the important Facility Committee which oversees the project for the New Opera Center on the Beltline. He also chaired the Development Committee and under his leadership a $45 million comprehensive campaign was successfully launched and completed. His other volunteer leadership positions include current roles on the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (past chair), Atlanta History Center (past chair), and Woodruff Arts Center Board of Trustees, and previously serving on the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta board.
Host Committee
Alfredo & Beau Martin, chairs
Susan & Jim Anderson
Dee Dee & Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Janine Brown & Alex Simmons
Lila & Doug Hertz
Caroline & Phil Moise
Carol & Ramon Tomé
LaNēah & Rashaun Williams
Tomer Zvulun & Susanna Eiland
Impact Co-Chairs
Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim—BlackRock
Kevin Greiner—Gas South
Auction Items Available at the Gala
Nonna Dolly Italian Wine & Food Experience
Escape to Nonna Dolly for the perfect northern Italy getaway. This package includes:
• 7 days/6 nights accommodations
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) paired with amazing wines
• Cooking class
• All excursions and wine tastings
• Boat Ride on Lake Como, Red Train ride to Switzerland
• Entrance to Roman spas in Bormio
• All transportation during the trip and assistance with booking transportation to and from the Milan airport
Metropolitan Opera performance and all-inclusive travel package
Experience operatic magic from one of next season’s performances at the Met. This package includes:
• Two box seat tickets at The Metropolitan Opera (any Friday night performance of your preference with a month’s notice)
• Dinner for two prior to the performance on The Met’s exclusive Grand Tier
• First Class Airfare for two on Delta Airlines
• Two-night stay in a five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel Suite steps from Lincoln Center, Central Park, and Columbus Circle
Château Lafite Experience
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Château Lafite. This bucket list package includes:
• Two vintage 2000 Magnum bottles of Lafite Rothschild sourced directly from the Château’s cellar. Impeccable provenance!
• Two Delta One tickets to Paris
• A private tour of the Lafite cellar for six guests followed by a tasting of Lafite wines
• An exclusive invitation to visit inside the Château and share a glass of champagne in the private home of Baron Eric de Rothschild, who is the fifth-generation family owner
Legendary Michelin Star Chef Dinner
A culinary experience like no other! 5-course dinner for 14 guests, held at The Estate on Piedmont.
• Michelin Star Chefs may include: Kyma and Buckhead Life Exec. Chef Pano Karatassos; Atlas Culinary Director Freddy Money; Lazy Betty Exec. Chef and Owner Aaron Phillips
• Wine pairings curated by Michael McNeil by Cellar 13
• With Culinary Assistance by Legendary Events Executive Chef Diana Watkins and The Sous Chef Team
• Based on the chef’s availability. Created for Tues, Wed, or Thur. No Holidays.
• Offer expires 3/1/2026.
