Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Les Boutiques De Noel officials host O. Delton Harrison Patron Party

Maggie Martin, Shreveport Times
2 min read

Much loved Shreveport Opera Xpress Singers - known simply as SOX -  were the stars of the show at the black-tie op Les Boutiques de Noel O. Delton Harrison Patron Party hosted by Shreveport Bossier Opera Guild.

Shreveport Opera Express (SOX) singers: mezzo-soprano Mariam Mouawad, soprano Taylor See, baritone Logan Dell'Acqua and tenor Nathan Schafer.
Shreveport Opera Express (SOX) singers: mezzo-soprano Mariam Mouawad, soprano Taylor See, baritone Logan Dell'Acqua and tenor Nathan Schafer.
  • The SOX: Taylor See, Mariam Mouawad, Logan Dell'acqua and Nathan Schafer.

  • Pianist: Ah Young Kim.

Charlotte Bryson, Judy and Mike McCarthy and SOX pianist Ah Young Kim.
Charlotte Bryson, Judy and Mike McCarthy and SOX pianist Ah Young Kim.

Guests gathered at the former home of the late much-loved community leader O. Delton Harrison, whose parties were legendary. It is now the home of his nephew, Harrison Smith, and wife Cissie Smith. For many, including Delton pals Sybil Patten and Kathryn Beaird, the event was a return to a place where they attended many fetes through the years. It was like a homecoming.  Delton came home from a New York trip many years ago with the idea for Les Boutiques.

Mezzo-soprano Mariam Mouawad, singing as she mingles with guests, finds Steve Roberts.
Mezzo-soprano Mariam Mouawad, singing as she mingles with guests, finds Steve Roberts.

The Smiths were the most congenial of hosts for a party that clicked throughout this magical night. Although a bit early and with several galas scheduled in December, we can say with certainty that this gathering kicked off the holiday social season.

Opera Guild Vice-President Kathryn Smitherman, Guild President Elizabeth Glassell and party hosts Cissie and Harrison Smith.
Opera Guild Vice-President Kathryn Smitherman, Guild President Elizabeth Glassell and party hosts Cissie and Harrison Smith.

SOX members lined the stairs to perform musical favorites, such as "Phantom of the Night."  Later in the evening, the quartet Returned later to the "stage." Soloist Mariam Mouawad charmed the crowd as she moved around, singing up close and personal solos to several guests including Steve Glassell, Steve Roberts, John George with the quartet joining in.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Opera Guild Prez Elizabeth Glassell, Guild Veep Kathryn Smitherman, Berry Glassell, Mikey Carlisle,  Past President Nancy McCarter, greeted invitees upon arrival at the  Christmas-bedecked house.

Patrons Kevin and Marjorie Briley
Patrons Kevin and Marjorie Briley

In between the musical interludes, partygoers ordered drinks from two bars or headed into the dining room where Jessica Comegys, of Caspiana Catering, had arranged buffet offerings as stunningly interesting as the food was delicious. There was beef tenderloin kale, sweet potato and ravioli dishes and tuna with jalapeno shots among the offerings.

What an evening to remember!

Members of the social crowd seeing and being seen: Margaret Oden, Patsy O'Brien, George and Clare Nelson, Mike and Judy McCarthy, Nell Cahn, Charlean Dickson, Pearla Despot, Judge Gene Bryson and wife Charlotte, Marletta Eddy, Kevin and Marjorie Briley, Bob and Joanna Robinson, Michele Hardtner, Betty Black, Nicole George.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Opera Guild's Les Boutique is a fundraiser for Shreveport Opera and SOX, said Opera Chief Steve Aiken.

Les Boutiques is Nov. 30-Dec. 1-2 at Shreveport Convention Center, where  75 vendors will ply their wares.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Les Boutiques De Noel officials host O. Delton Harrison Patron Party

Advertisement
Advertisement