La Dolce Vita

Gala & Fundraiser Spectacular

Honoring Maestro Joseph Marcheso’s 10th Anniversary Season

Event Details:

When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Where: The California Theatre
345 S. First St
San José, CA 95113

Evening Schedule:

5:15 PM – Early VIP Check-in
5:30 PM – Guest Arrival and Check-in
5:30–6:30 PM – Cocktails, Appetizers & Silent Auction
6:45–7:45 PM – Seated Dinner
8:15–9:15 PM – Opera Performances & Live Auction
9:30 PM – VIP Check-out and Departure

Explore themed décor and our magnificent silent auction
Enjoy a hosted bar for a signature cocktail and sparkling wine & curated wines during dinner
Feast on a four-course dinner that offers a taste of the exotic and familiar- served to your table
Thrill to the performances of our Opera San José superstars
Engage, connect, and impact Opera San José with your generosity

Dress is semi-formal, elegant, and fabulous. Black tie optional.

All guests will enjoy: Live auction and fund a need * Musical entertainment by Opera San José artists * Roaming costumed performers & concierge hosting * Sumptuous four course seated dinner * Cocktail hour with passed appetizers * Fine wines, magnificent décor and other surprises * party favors

Dolce Sponsors $15,000 | VIP Premium Table for 10 Guests

Premium table seating center main lobby * Front row VIP Premium performance & auction seating * Early entry at 5:15 PM * Signature cocktail * Elevated & Curated wine selections * Dedicated wait & wine service at dinner * Maximum recognition during dinner, from stage, on event screens, and in program * VIP Check-in and Check-out 

Tax deductible contribution of $8,500

Sicily Sponsors $10,000 | Premium Table for 8 Guests

Excellent table seating location in main lobby * Second row VIP Premium performance & auction seating * Early entry at 5:15 PM * Signature cocktail * Dedicated wait & wine service at dinner * Recognition during dinner, from stage, on event screens, and in program * VIP Check-in and Check-out

Tax deductible contribution of $4,800

Rusticana Sponsors $6,000 | Special Table for 8 Guests

Signature cocktail * Dedicated wait service * Preferred seating for performance and auction * VIP Check-in and Check-out * Recognition in program and on screens *

Tax deductible contribution of $1,000

Individual tickets are available at $375 each

La Dolce Vita Gala Host & Auction Committee:

Laura Bajuk
Mark Chambers-Bray
Lenore Johnson
Oceane Li
Joyce Scott

Invitations will be mailed and ticketing opened on December 15, 2025

For sponsorship information, contact development@operasj.org or (408) 437-4464

Gala Sponsors