La Bella Notte Honors John Hoomes’ 30-year Legacy with Nashville Opera

For over 30 years, La Bella Notte has offered a theatrical, immersive evening in support of Nashville’s arts community. But the 32nd annual gala was extra special.

The event paid tribute to John Hoomes, Nashville Opera’s CEO and artistic director, who is celebrating 30 years with the company. And he wants to set the record straight: He’s not going anywhere anytime soon. “It’s just a milestone of 30 years,” John said. “I’m not leaving yet. I’m still here.”

Spanish-style pottery and bright-orange and cerulean flowers enhanced the night’s theme, An Evening in Seville (aptly nodding to Nashville Opera’s upcoming run of The Barber of Seville). Black-tie-clad guests greeted each other and browsed auction items before the main event — dinner and a show.

Soprano Amanda Batista and baritone Laureano Quant entranced the audience with operatic performances showcasing their vocal ranges and acting chops. Songs like “If Ever I Would Leave You” from Camelot and “Quando m’en vo” from Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème emphasized the magnetic impact of live performance. 

Friends of Nashville Opera member Sandra Frank received the Francis Robinson and Marion Couch Award for her excellence in volunteering and fundraising. And board member Andy Valentine shared three John Hoomes stories he’s collected over the last 25 years, illustrating John’s achievements as a director, leader and creative. 

When John reflected on his career, he first thanked his wife, Carol Penterman. “We were hired as a couple,” he said. “I could not have done this without her, and she could not have done this without me. It seemed to be a perfect storm that came together here in this fantastic city.”

John highlighted several victories from the past few decades: creating fully staged operas for K-12 schools, launching Opera on Wheels, diversifying the company’s programming and — the elephant in the room — growing Nashville Opera’s annual budget from under $400,000 to nearly $4 million. 

Speaking of elephants: “On stage at TPAC, I’ve had an elephant,” said John, making the crowd laugh. “We’ve had at least two horses. We’ve had six dogs. We had two cats — never again.”