A Unique Blend of Opera and Celebration at The Prince George Ballroom
I had the pleasure of photographing the On Site Opera Gala at The Prince George Ballroom last week, and what a fascinating evening it was! If you've never heard of On Site Opera, this innovative company specializes in site-specific operas set in non-traditional venues throughout New York City.
The night was not just about opera, although an adaptation of a classic operetta added musical allure to the event. Eliam Ramous, Bernard Holcomb, and Cree Carrico graced us with performances that created pockets of enchantment throughout the evening. With Matthew Lobaugh masterfully handling the piano, the artists provided a unique spin on traditional opera by adapting it to this unconventional setting.
Besides being a showcase for beautiful music, the gala also served as a milestone for On Site Opera. The community gathered to honor the substantial contributions of Eric Einhorn, who has steered the organization with artistic vision. At the same time, there was palpable excitement for the next chapter as Sarah Meyers took the helm as the new artistic director.
Eric Einhorn and partner, Katherine M. Carter
Sarah Meyers
One of the highlights from a photography perspective was dealing with the venue's distinctive lighting. A photographer is often challenged by varied lighting conditions, and this event was no exception. But these challenges were also opportunities to capture the sublime moments that make events like these so memorable—like the hushed anticipation of the audience before a performance or the warm glows on people's faces during the paddle raise fundraiser.
Photographing an event this layered required more than just capturing the performers. Attention to the audience and their interaction with the event added another layer of narrative. If you're aiming to photograph similar gatherings, always remember: the attendee’s emotions often are the most important part of the story.
As I packed up my camera gear, I felt like I had been part of something larger—a collective celebration of art, leadership, and community. And if that's not worth capturing, what is?
