the gala

Saturday, november 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM
The anderson pavilion At Smale Park
Pichler Fountains • Carol Ann’s Carousel

8 East Mehring Way • Cincinnati, OH 45202

Event Chairs: Tarita Preston and Brian L. Tiffany
Honorees: The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, Nanci Wilks Lanni and Barbara Wilks, Trustees

Noir, Silver & Song

Operatic stories embody the extremes of human emotion, and to reflect that, we are focusing this extraordinary moment on mystery and extravagance, intrigue and dazzle, noir and silver. We hope you’ll embrace this theme and surprise us with your choice of stunning outfit.

Our exclusive evening commences at the Pichler Fountains and Carol Ann’s Carousel, offering a breathtaking view of the Roebling Bridge, accompanied by cocktails, entertainment, scrumptious bites, and even the opportunity for a ride on the carousel. The festivities continue downstairs in the Pavilion with a delectable dinner curated by eat well celebrations and feasts. And what would an opera event be without fabulous performances and entertainment following dinner? As this is a fundraiser, we hope you’ll come prepared to bid at our auction!

Attire: Black and silver extravagance

View Support Levels

the evening

6:30 p.m. • Cocktails and Carousel
Enjoy festive beverages as you mingle with opera fans and arts lovers, surrounded by elegant décor and stunning views of the Roebling Bridge. Take a spin on Carol Ann’s Carousel and take a moment to place your bids in our silent auction.

7:45 p.m. • Dinner
Curated by Chef Renée Schuler of eat well celebrations and feasts. Guests will enjoy a duet entrée with delectable sides and wine pairings. The evening continues with a tribute to our honoree, live auction, and a surprise musical guest.

9:45 p.m. • Soirée with a View
Enjoy late-night desserts and dancing to the sounds of Soul Pocket featuring the Fabulous Ladies.

TICKETS AND INFO

About Our Honorees

For more than 35 years, the Wilks Family has sustained a multi-generational legacy of philanthropic leadership with Cincinnati Opera. Harry T. Wilks forged the foundation of this relationship through two decades of board service, devoting his intellect, energy, and generosity to sustain the opera company he loved. He established the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation in 2010, setting in place the architecture to perpetually support the community he called home. His daughters, Barbara Wilks and Nanci Wilks Lanni, an Opera Advisory Trustee, have carried the legacy forward, serving as trustees of the family’s foundation. Katie Lanni, a third-generation Opera trustee, continues to represent the family’s deep relationship with the company today and into the future.

In 2014, a generous gift from the Wilks Family Foundation endowed the Harry T. Wilks Artistic Directorship. Earlier this year, the foundation made a historic $6 million pledge to establish and endow The Harry T. Wilks Fund for Leading Artists. This gift will bring the finest principal singers to Cincinnati Opera each year, linking the Wilks family to beautiful singing in our community for years to come.

Photo: Annette Navarro

the gala committee members

Katherine Anderson
Flávia Bastos, PhD
Onassis Caneris, MD
Barbara S. Hahn
Beatriz Porras, MD
Will Selnick
Tricia Suit
Mary Ann Taylor
Heather Vecellio
Ronna K. Willis
Anne Zaring

Premier Sponsors

Noir & Silver Sponsors

Anne-Marie Blancquaert, DVM, and Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD
Dr. Onassis A. Caneris, Riverhills Neuroscience
Cintas Cares

Headliner Sponsors

1919 Investment Counsel
Chavez Properties
Milly and Doc Huffman
The Winters/Kennedy Family Fund

Spotlight Sponsors

Flávia Bastos, PhD, and Larry Huston
Core Specialty
Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Jaroszewicz
Drs. Yemisi and Alvin Jones
Lynn & Don Larson and Buffie & Eppa Rixey
Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby
The Zaring Family Foundation

Special Thanks

Anderson Pavilion at Smale Riverfront Park
Barbara and Dr. Jack Hahn
Pederzani Studios
Soul Pocket
SparkUp
Catharina Toltzis, PhD, and Robert Toltzis, MD
Ronna and Dr. James Willis
Peg and Jack Wyant

(List as of October 7, 2026)