A look inside the home to host 65th gala

Next month readers will get a look inside one of the most appealing houses featured in our Builder and Buyer edition on stands April 2.

Dr. Ghali and Hope Ghali have created a beautiful new build in Shreveport’s South Highlands, where they’ll raise a toast and open the doors of their home for the Shreveport Opera Guild’s 65th anniversary gala May 3.

A few years ago, the growing Ghali family lived just down the street in a Colonial and found a slightly bigger one in the same neighborhood, which they purchased with the intention of re-doing. However, once inside the job, their contractors sadly shook their heads and declared it not worth the trouble.

The couple took a drive to Dallas’ Highland Park, where they looked for houses they liked and took photos of their favorite.

They returned home and to their architect, Chris Elberson, with a list of desires for their home, concocting what Hope calls her “ideal dream house.”

Elberson streamlined the plans to the family’s hopes and their lot and came up with a custom design. Builder Jonathan Hamilton interpreted that design into form, and the family moved in August 2011.

Angled on a corner, the home incorporates some of the classic details of the South Highlands neighborhood but stands crisp and new.

The rectangular Dallas prototype was “bent” to produce a home with two wings. Upon entering the spectacular home, visitors are greeted by a stunning double staircase,

swirling down under a cupola decorated with delicate carvings, and holding a gigantic crystal chandelier over the marble floors. The large home will easily accommodate up to 350 people for the Opera Gala. It normally houses six – four of whom are children.

The Ghali’s are strong supporters of the arts and were happy to host the monumental anniversary for the opera.

Kicking off its 65th season, the Shreveport Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the country and has featured some of the world’s greatest performers, including Leontyne Price and Renee Fleming.

The gala will feature live music including The Shreveport Opera Express singers, full bar from Thrifty Liquor with a signature Sapphire Cocktail and catering by the Petroleum Club to include a heavy buffet with inventive international food with ties to the grand operas.

There will even be a special pre-party for major patrons.

The gala is a celebration of the major anniversary milestone and a fundraiser to continue the strong tradition. To receive an invitation, contact Susannah Poljak at 861- 1004 or Mikey Carlisle at 797-1171.