Opening night at the Metropolitan Opera
Last Monday evening, I had the great pleasure of attending the opening of the 2008-'09 season of the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City, a gala celebrating the opera's 125th anniversary. My invitation to this event came from Peter Gelb, the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera. Initially, I wanted to take my nephew, Christopher Herbert. However, Chris is currently in Europe, auditioning and performing in competitions, furthering his own operatic career. Instead, I invited Chris's good friend Timothy Long, who is a fine classical pianist, as well as an operatic conductor. Tim's most recent conducting engagements include the Wolf Trap Opera, the Operatic Theater of St. Louis, and the Boston Lyric Opera –- so, he was thrilled when I called.
We were treated that evening to three fully staged scenes from Verdi's La Traviata, Massenet's Manon, and Stauss's Capriccio. The star of the evening was the fabulous soprano, Renee Fleming, wearing amazing costumes created by legendary fashion designers –- John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Following this exhilarating performance by the entire cast, we sat down to a most delicious dinner held at Damrosch Park, part of Lincoln Center. Come and see my photos from another night on the town!
What an exciting evening you must have had! I had the pleasure of seeing Renee Fleming in concert when she was in Tampa a few years ago. Such a talent!
BTW, your dress is lovely!
Posted by: Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy | September 25th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
You looked magnificent! What a lovely evening!
Posted by: Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas | September 25th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hi Martha, My, this was a beautiful blog about the Metropolitan Opera's opening night. I have never been to an opera so this is a special treat to see the inside of this spectacular building. I love all of your photos, especially the ones with Ralph Rucci, James Taylor, Paulo and Renee Fleming. Everyone in the photos looks fantastic and you look stunning in your Ralph Rucci gown! The table settings look beautiful and I'll bet the food was delicious. Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous event with us. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 25th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
What a lovely dress. You wore it beautifully.
Posted by: Norbie K. | September 25th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
va va va voom Martha! That dress is amazing, and you look wonderful. looks like a great night, thanks for sharing
Posted by: claudine | September 25th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Martha,
This is the kind of Martha moments I want to see more of. High fashion Martha, on the red-carpet, lookig glam!
Keep them coming, hit every red carpet, every Hollywood award show...Show me more, more, more GLAM MARTHA!!!
Posted by: michael anthamatten | September 25th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Everything looked beautiful and elegant. I hope you had a wonderful time. Maybe someday you can have one of the great opera stars or classical music talents on your show. That would be a treat.
Posted by: sushi2 | September 25th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Martha you forgot something when you went to the Met- Christopher Herbert! And of course you forgot to bring us along too!
The message boards have been down on MS.Com for four days what's the scoop with that???? Are you guys revamping it or what?
Enjoy the wedding this weekend.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | September 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I just loved your dress, blondes do have more fun!
Posted by: Cindy | September 26th, 2008 at 12:55 am
How glamorous!
Posted by: Carolyn | September 26th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for taking us along through your photos and comments to The Metropolitan Opera's opening of the 2008-2009 season. Your nephew Chris's good friend Timothy Long must have been happy to accompany you to this gala celebrating the Opera's 125th season. You both must have enjoyed the scenes from Verdi’s La Traviata, Massenet’s Manon, and Stauss’s Capriccio. Soprano Renee Fleming must have been stunning in the costumes by John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. The dinner held at Damrosch Park must have been delicious.
Thanks again.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | September 26th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Beautiful and elegant! Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | September 26th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Looks like it was a glorious night! And being able to have fun with such fantastic talents...now that's living! You did look very lovely, Martha.
Posted by: Julie | September 26th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Martha, your dress is absolutely gorgeous. You looked radiant!!
Posted by: Laurie in Dallas | September 26th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Martha,
Thanks for sharing your fabulous life with all of us! I love that you have friends and enjoy people of all ages--you will be young and interesting forever
You looked terrific in your gorgeous dress!
God bless,
Susan, NJ
Posted by: Susan Raisch | September 26th, 2008 at 3:53 am
You look beautiful Martha. I love popping in to your blog from time to time to read about your busy life! ~Janet~
Posted by: Janet~ Shabbyfufu | September 26th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Hi Martha,
You need not wear anything else but Ralph Rucci! It looks terrific on you; wait, you look terrific in it and I see you have accessorized with your Nantucket purse. Maybe Michael Kane will notice. I had to smile while watching the champagne clip; you're always a great hostess even at the opera.
BTW, in photo 16, you left out Rufus's name. Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 26th, 2008 at 4:10 am
P.S. Nevermind about the Rufus caption and sorry. Someone already noticed and corrected it. Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 26th, 2008 at 4:19 am
Lovely photos, Martha. You look gorgeous. Rufus Wainwright (a Canadian, like myself) is a genius and one of my favourites. You should get his album "Poses" if you don't have it already. His song "The Tower of Learning" is just sublime. You seem to like a lot of Canadian musicians: Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainright, k.d. lang, Joni Mitchell. I just knew your good taste extended into music.
And, yes, Rufus's "friend" is quite a dish.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | September 26th, 2008 at 4:33 am
I recognized your Nantucket purse right away, before some of the captions to the pictures had been upgraded and mentioned it...the color of the splints practically match your gown! I remember when this was given to you...how beautiful it is! (what a labor of love, and what craftsmanship!)
...back to your gown! - another rich gold/bronze beauty, of which you wear soooo well!
(Who am I to be pleased by Martha Stewart, but) I am so pleased that you find interest in music! It is so integral in MY life, having been raised on classical music as a young child. I grew up playing violin in school and am grateful for this (yet another) foundation on which I was raised. It is truly a defining factor of who I am.
This little outing looked like much fun! I'm not a socialite type of individual (I'm very private, which is amazing how I say so much in your blog!), but I was fascinated by the varied audience and how the opera must "speak" to them as well!
My beloved little Edgar-kitty =^..^= sends his love, Martha! He saw you this morning on QVC (on a [QVC] commercial, promoting your exclusive QVC crafts). He warbled "mrrrowiloveyoumarthamrrrow". (As I mentioned in an earlier post, we watch your [rewound] daily shows together in the evenings...it's our QT together).
And I love you too!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 26th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I just have to say Martha... gorgeous dress!
Posted by: maritessb | September 26th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Gold is definatley your color,Martha.
Been enjoying your blog for a while now. It's part of my mornig routine.
You rock!
Posted by: Diana | September 26th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Hi Martha and everyone,
This is the Met's first season to introduce the live performances via sat feed to other area facilities so everyone can 'go to the Met' in their own city. Wonder if it will ever come to my little town? Great to get the inside scoop from you, and to hear updates on your very talented nephew! Good luck with the auditions!
Love, Tina
PS. Thanks, too, for encouraging us to 'not panic' thorough this test of time with our country. I agree. Now is the time for all people to come to the aid of their country! PEACE.
Posted by: Tina | September 26th, 2008 at 8:00 am
What an evening! Christie B. is such a beauty and Peter Cook is such a fool!!
Posted by: Ellen Hurtado | September 26th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Your dress is gorgeous! So are you:-)
Posted by: Amy Locurto | September 26th, 2008 at 8:48 am
the sexy Martha we don't get to see enough!
you go girl! more, more!
Posted by: Alexandre | September 26th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Martha,
After seeing Ralph Rucci on your TV program and on your blog, you have convinced me to check out his collection. I like the design of your dress for the opening of the Met. I think that the fabric is so wonderful and its color is perfect for you. You are so tall and slender. The wrap is the wrap but I believe that it hid your beauty and the dress's beauty on you. I am hoping that you will consider just wearing the dress next time. This blog is nicely integrated with your multi-media products and really adds to the educational value of those products. Thank you for continuing to teach me about the beauty in all. Your detailed thinking comes through on the blog and I find it helpful to me. I think that you are a very good teacher.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | September 26th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Martha, you look so beautiful and elegant in this Gold Haute Couture dress.
What a glamorous evening!
Love,
Rowaida
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | September 26th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
What a great evening!! Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I took special note of the table setting. I would have liked to have seen what was for dessert:-)
Posted by: susieshomemade | September 26th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
LOVE THAT DRESS!
Posted by: Desiree' | September 26th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Thank you Martha. I love the Opera, and I have only had the pleasure of visiting Lincoln Centre one time, but it was such a treat to "join you" for the evening.
I think I'll have a glass of wine and listen to some music.
Great Dress!
Posted by: Marnie | September 26th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Geeze Martha! What a night! I can only imagine getting to see an Opera at the Met, but I can't even fathom a night there with all of the folks you were able to visit with! Renee Fleming, Christie Brinkley, Yo-Yo Ma. Geeze. Awesome.
Posted by: Kim G. | September 26th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Martha,
That dress is superb! Gold is a tricky color to pull of but it really suits you. It reminds me of the Halloween cover you did as "The Goddess," which was also very successful.
I love that you love Rufus Wainwright. He's one of my favorites too and it delights me to see you too together. Try and have him on your show sometime!
xoxo,
JJ
Posted by: John | September 26th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Martha,
The Swarovski chandeliers were amazing!!! You looked fab, looked like a lot of fun.
J
Posted by: Joseph Morales | September 26th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
The outfit is a winner. Striking but restrained.
Posted by: Luc | September 27th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Martha, You look stunning in that gown and wrap! I also love your little evening bag! I sure wish you could bottle some of that energy you have! Beautiful post!
Posted by: Mary | September 27th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Wow, you really look amazing!
Regards all the way from Sweden!
Karin
Posted by: Karin | September 27th, 2008 at 3:51 am
wrong website adress...
Posted by: Karin | September 27th, 2008 at 3:52 am
You are a true golden goddess.
The after party table settings were so very lovely.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | September 27th, 2008 at 4:09 am
When is Martha Stewart whatever on? I am looking for it and can't find it. Somebody said it's on the fine living TV station. Thank you.
Posted by: Mary Dakins | September 27th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Just want to say I truly enjoy your magazine. The October 2008 issue is full of great recipes I intend to use. You're looking great these days Martha, better than ever! A big fan, Susan A Lamb
Posted by: Susan A Lamb | September 27th, 2008 at 9:35 am
the dress looked a little plain in theather but looks amazing in photos. nice cocktail making with Susan. Get Ana Netrebko on the show too
Posted by: iv | September 27th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I love the backstage tidbits like how you know so and so and especially James Levine's pleated sleeves.
Posted by: Elizabeth Gage | September 27th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I can't help but think about Paul Newman and his wife, I would always see them at the opening of the met. I know Martha was close to them and not just as neighbors.
I laughed because many times in the opera, he would have a beer in his hand and a pair of Ray Bans on.
Martha's neighbor will be missed.
Posted by: Todd J T Wiggins | September 28th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Thank you
T
Posted by: Todd J T Wiggins | September 28th, 2008 at 3:01 am
I find it amusing, endearing and educational that you mentioned the pleats in James Levine's jacket. I never knew that men needed pleats to move their arms, but now I do.
Posted by: mary | September 28th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Martha~
You are one amazing woman! You looked gorgeous!! And Rufus and his friend are indeed both handsome!
Posted by: Betty | September 28th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Hi Martha
I am a big fan of yours and wish your Fine Living was on cable over here in New Jersey. Since I am a cancer fighter watching your show gives me insentive for cooking and creating for myself.
Just want to let you know since you changed your blog servers the subscription no longer works. I use to know when there was updates to your blog but now it is no longer working
TA
http://carbonescorner.blogspot.com
Posted by: Toniann | September 28th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Martha: Thank you so much for sharing this. I spent many hours as a teen and young woman at the Met, enjoying many wonderful performances. My Dad took pleasure in taking me for one performance he surprised me with seats in Box 1 Seat 1. What a treat! When I started working in the City (commuting in from Queens) I would walk over from Columbus Circle to the Met during lunch to see what tickets I could get "on sale" it did not matter where the seating, at that time I could get a ticket for $18.00.
You look spectacular! Thank you for sharing and for triggering a wonderful memory.
Susan, Marietta GA
Posted by: Susan | September 28th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Oh so glamourous.
At this point I'd be thrilled with a happy hour while wearing something other than jeans and a diaper bag.
Posted by: All Adither | September 28th, 2008 at 7:03 am
That dress is a perfect early autumn hue. The arm candy (Rufus!) isn't bad either
Posted by: Cakespy | September 28th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Lovely photo and gown! I am fortunate to spend my summers in Maine, in the Sebago Lakes region, west of Portland, and absolutely LOVE it in Maine! The rest of the year....Fairfield Co. CT. (A bit different pace of life...but there's good and bad everywhere!)
Posted by: Lindy | September 28th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Hi, Martha,
Hearing the news of Paul Newman's death, I was reminded of your post about him and his Hole in the Wall camp.
Prayers and best wishes to all his family, friends, and fans.
Thanks for that post, Martha.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | September 28th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Hi Martha...you look wonderful and the evening must have been amazing...
thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Diana Evans | September 28th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
What a night. It reminded me so much of an evening at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London seeing The Nutcracker. I was newly engaged, it was Chrsitmas time and here I was watching one of my favourite ballets. Thank you for bringing that memory back for me.
Cherry Menlove
http://www.cherrymenlove.com/
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | September 29th, 2008 at 3:34 am
THis was so very interesting and wonderful to see. You look AMAZING. What a treat to get a sneak peek.
Posted by: james saavedra | September 29th, 2008 at 5:05 am
Hello Martha,
How exciting you got to meet Rufus Wainwright and so many other fun and interesting people! LOVE the pictures you shared with all of us and all you do!
You look stunning!
Hugs from Chicago,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Meyer | September 29th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Martha,
I am a loyal watcher of the Martha Stewart Show. I am sorry to report that the local TV station, KWWL, Waterloo, IA, does not carry your program this season.
I need help encouraging them to carry have your beloved program.
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | September 29th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Martha you look wonderful in that dress! Amazing you got to meet Rufus Wainwright. Very cool! What type of jewelry did you wear at the opera? Any tips? When I attended the opera a few years ago, I wore all black and bought some diamond earrings at http://www.idonowidont.com
I felt like a princess. Opera always makes me weep! Great photos btw!
Posted by: MichelleB | September 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Martha,
What an elegant night! You looked absolutely amazing!
Only Martha Stewart can make a "Grand Dame" cocktail in that Ralph Rucci dress!! And sitting next to Renee! You lucky girl, you!! Ralph's line is beyond words. SIGH! Loved your documentary.
I can't express what's not already written here. You always seem to come up with more ways to invite us into your life. Thank you for that opportunity.
On Paul Newman..thank you for sharing your day with him on the blog. He will be sorely missed but his charity work, films, food company will live on forever. I saw your comment on the Sunday Today show and you expressed wonderful thoughts about Mr. Newman. I remember your remodeling House book. GREAT book and VCR tape. I still have them in my library.
God Speed Paul Newman..your star is shining brightly in the heavens. Thank you for all you've done.
P.
Posted by: Paula M. | September 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am
You look lovely in your red carpet dress, Martha! A couple of years ago we took my daughter's Girl Scout troop to the Little Women opera there. We were so lucky to have a backstage tour and see all of the costumes. When they brought us on to the stage, I convinced them to sing Row Row Row Your Boat just so they could say that they sang on stage at Lincoln Center! Have a happy week,
Warmly,
Cathy ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | September 29th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
This opera event looked absolutely divine. I made a DIY chandelier for my daughter's wedding last week that looks almost like the one in your photos
http://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-build-chandelier.html
Parties are just soooo much fun!
Posted by: Tamara | September 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Wow - you look so pretty! How fun to go to a party/event like that!
Tabitha @ http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
Posted by: Tabitha | October 1st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Hi Martha,
I saw that evening clutch you had that night up close when it was on display at the Diana Kim England jewelry shop in Nantucket last Thanksgiving. You should add some close-up photos of that you your blog. It is absolutely marvelous! You look fantastic too!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | October 1st, 2008 at 11:21 am
Was so hoping you would post pictures of the Met opening. They really are great at conveying the excitement, elegance and ambience of the event. Especially enjoyed the interior views of the theatre and the after-show party. How absolutely telling of your own star status to be seating next to La Flemming! Thanks so much for for this particular blog - I enjoyed it very very much!
Posted by: michael p | October 3rd, 2008 at 7:01 am
exitos . very well .
Posted by: RITA ANTONIA AMODEI | November 13th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Dear Martha: sorry it took me this long to post this comment... almost 4 months after the event.
I had the pleasure of meeting you in person on the Met's Opening Night (the Chinese young man who had attended your show this time last year, walking away with the Canyon Ranch spa weekend and a Tempurpedic mattress), and you were gracious enough to pose for a photo with me. Did you receive that photo by email? If not, please let me know and I'll send it again. Both you and I looked great in it, and perhpas you would considering adding that pic to your blog's photo album!
By the way, did you know that on this past Sunday night's Golden Globe Awards the actress Rachel Griffiths (ABC's Brothers and Sisters) wore an identical evening gown you had worn on Opening Night? Between you and me I think you looked better in it anyway.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing from you.
Cordially,
Ricky
Posted by: Ricky | January 14th, 2009 at 7:37 am