‘Bella Notte’: The San Francisco Ballet opened its 79th season Thursday with a gala performance in the War Memorial Opera House and Italian-themed black-tie fundraising dinners, hosted by the S.F. Ballet Auxiliary, at City Hall. Cocktails and a grand promenade preceded the show; a party, La Dolce Vita, followed. Marie Hurabiell Trader and Carla Wytmar chaired the festivities.

Encore! patrons celebrate opening

San Francisco Ballet Encore! party: Young professionals supporting the ballet hosted a pre-performance reception at the War Memorial Opera House. Attendees included Robin Farmanfarmaian, Encore! president.