On February 8, Nashville Opera presents its annual gala, La Bella Notte, at the 1 Hotel in downtown Nashville. La Bella Notte is a sophisticated celebration of art and culture, offering guests an unforgettable evening of elegance. The event features captivating performances of beautiful music by world-class artists, complemented by exquisite dining and a selection of fabulous wines. Attended by a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd, La Bella Notte embodies the spirit of community and creativity, making it a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

This year’s event shines even brighter with Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth serving as honorary chair. Chenoweth will also be honored with the Nashville Opera Honors BRAVO! Award for her unwavering dedication to youth music education. Before achieving international acclaim on the Broadway stage, Chenoweth studied opera, earning a Master’s degree in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University.

The 2025 La Bella Notte gala is co-chaired by Katie Marchetti and Jennifer Harris. The enchanting evening, held in the Meadow Ballroom of 1Hotel, will begin at half-past six and feature a blend of fine dining and stunning performances of beloved arias.

La Bella Notte benefits Nashville Opera’s Education and Outreach Programs, and makes so much possible, including:

· Nashville Opera On Tour, our annual educational children’s opera that has touched the lives of 800,000 children since 1995, introducing them to the world of opera through familiar fairy tale stories set to Mozart or Rossini, all while focusing the lyrics on positive messages about reading, listening, and cooperation.

· Nashville Opera On Wheels, our mobile stage that delivers on Nashville Opera’s commitment to bring opera to people across Middle Tennessee, whether in neighborhoods, retirement communities, the Nashville Zoo, or farmers’ markets. In 2024, the program served 39,637 Middle Tennesseans.

· The HBCU Fellowship, in partnership with Fisk and Tennessee State Universities, builds connections and career pathways for students from both Historically Black Universities, as performers, administrators, and technicians.

· The Mary Ragland Emerging Artist Program, which serves as a training ground for up-and-coming singers to hone their skills, participate in master classes and workshops, have one-on-one coaching sessions, and gives them the opportunity to appear in a Nashville Opera mainstage production.

· When Marian Sang: A Celebration of the Life of Marian Anderson, a new program utilizing Pam Muñoz Ryan’s book of the same name, to share the story of the first Black female artist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.

Nashville Opera has been part of the cultural tapestry of Music City since 1981, creating beautiful experiences that make opera accessible to everyone, both in and out of the theater. With diverse repertoire and casting, we’re working to prove that opera can represent and be relevant to all audiences. By presenting world premieres, staging contemporary works, and sharing the beauty of classic operas, we’re opening new frontiers for this art form.

For tickets to the black-tie gala and more information, please visit LaBellaNotte.org.

Contact Information: Margaret Carpenter / mcarpenter@nashvilleopera.org / 615.832.5242