This major fundraiser of the Knoxville Opera Guild is an annual, elegant black tie affair. The 2015 event will be the “Prima Donna Ball” with Mary Costa as the special guest of honor and the return of Russian diva Julia Lima, who was part of the 2012 ball. The event also is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Maestro Brian Salesky as executive director and conductor of the Knoxville Opera.

A cocktail hour with silent auction at 6 p.m. on the third-floor gallery precedes a 7:30 p.m. gourmet meal, wines and spirits and dinner music from a renowned band in the Great Hall. As dinner concludes, a short but spirited live auction is held, along with tributes and a floor show. Dancing continues until midnight.