On February 4, Friends of Nashville Opera will host their annual black-tie gala, La Bella Notte.
This year’s theme, La Primavera, looks toward spring with an evening of fine dining and song in support of the Nashville Opera’s education and engagement programs. Co-chairing this year’s gala are Sharon and Todd Sandahl. The philanthropists are each accomplished in their own right: Sharon holds a pharmaceutical license in both Tennessee and her home state of Mississippi. She is also the go-to florist for many special occasions for MBA and Harpeth Hall students, weddings, and dinner parties for those in the know.
She has served her community well as a volunteer through the years all while raising three beautiful children with her husband, whom she met while they were students at Ole Miss. Todd is a practicing attorney and CPA with a license to practice in Tennessee and Mississippi with offices in Nashville and Franklin. He has served on various boards in several capacities. As the son of a former NFL player and coach, Todd has lived all over the United States, and he and Sharon are proud to call Nashville home for the past 25 years. We chatted with Sharon about the upcoming event and the couple’s longstanding involvement in Nashville’s philanthropic scene.
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair this event?
Sharon Sandahl: Todd and I have enjoyed attending La Bella Notte for many years. We were thrilled to be invited to be co-chairs. La Bella Notte is an event that brings together friends, fabulous food and wine, beautiful ambiance, and gorgeous voices. From Broadway tunes to beloved opera arias, we celebrate live music and bring people together to support the Opera’s education and outreach programs, and we have a great time doing it.
NL: How are the funds from this event used?
SS: Funds raised support the newly expanded nine-week education tour that takes a children’s opera directly into 65 elementary schools and reaches approximately 25,000 students annually. Nashville Opera prioritizes underserved areas ensuring that all children can experience the magic of opera and the arts. The funds also support a mobile stage that brings music directly to neighborhoods and communities around Nashville and aligns with Nashville Opera’s commitment to make the arts accessible to everyone regardless of age, income, or mobility.
NL: Why is it important to you to support Nashville Opera?
SS: We are Music City and opera is vocal artistry at the highest level. As a city who attracts tourists and musicians, Nashville has music for everyone to enjoy. Opera is a centuries-old genre that is filled with passion of the deepest loves and the most tragic losses. Nashville Opera completes our city’s robust arts community that includes our symphony, ballet, theater groups, and museums.
NL: Who or what inspires you to use your time, talents, and treasure as a volunteer?
SS: There isn’t a single person who has most influenced me. After moving to Nashville, I joined the Junior League. It was there I learned so much about Nashville, how to volunteer, and was able to see the tremendous difference volunteers can make in our community. So, it was an entire organization of women. They were encouragers, teachers, hard workers, and determined to bring positive changes to our community. Friendships inspire me to volunteer to help our nonprofit community. When we moved to Nashville, we didn’t know anyone. It is lonely to be in a new city, so Todd and I both became involved in the things that interested us. Twenty- five years later, some of our closest friends are those we have met through volunteering. Sharing a common goal, working to achieve it, and laughing along the way—that is how friendships are created.
NL: How do you balance family and social life?
SS: Balancing social and family time is particularly hard during baseball and soccer seasons. We focus on family and supporting our children in their endeavors. We are always eager to attend charity events, go to dinner with friends, or simply sit on the porch with friends and catch up. Life is short and we want to enjoy it all! Balance is a struggle, especially when you add in that we both work. We are thankful for all that we have in our lives and try to make time to accomplish goals and still enjoy each person and activity.