There was plenty to announce at The Dallas Opera’s cocktail party celebrating First Night, the black-tie evening that debuts the “Pursuits of Passion” 2012/2013 season and its opening performance, Aïda. Hosted at the home of Anne and Steve Stodghill, the pre-event introduced the red carpet theme of “Arts and Sports Together” and also had First Night chair Kaki Hopkins excitedly spilling details about the fusion of opera and contemporary design, a focus of this year’s gala. Photography by Kristina Bowman