Opera Grand Rapids to Host Tango-Themed Gala Next Week

Opera Grand Rapids will host its annual Night With The Opera gala fundraiser on October 12, in anticipation for the company's season opening production of Ástor Piazzolla's tango opera, "María de Buenos Aires."

Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in an evening featuring a unique dining experience of cuisine with a Latin American flair, complimentary premium libations, and an exclusive dinner-theatre performance of "María de Buenos Aires." All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids' mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for live opera in West Michigan.

In keeping with tradition, Night With the Opera will treat guests to a festive evening celebrating 49 years of live opera in the community, along with plenty of chances to rub elbows and network.

The evening is dedicated to beloved local Argentine couple, Dr. Luis Tomatis and Gretchen Minnhaar, longtime supporters of Opera Grand Rapids.

Night With The Opera Co-Chair Diane St. Claire says that the gala is a can't miss event for opera and tango lovers alike.

"Night With the Opera is going to be a fabulous evening: a short tango opera, the lead artist in her signature role with tango dancing and beautiful music-all interspersed throughout a delicious meal, dinner theatre style," Claire said. "It promises to be great fun. West Michigan is very fortunate to have this high caliber of music and performers. I can't wait to attend!"

This year's Night With The Opera gala, held in the CityFlatsHotel Ballroom, will feature a sit-down dinner with beautifully-crafted Latin-inspired dishes, premium libations, a live performance by local Argentine tango composer-musicians Folias Duo, and an exclusive production of Opera Grand Rapids' "María de Buenos Aires" before it opens to the general public the following weekend.

The 80-minute opera "María de Buenos Aires" is a surreal spiritual journey set to the beat of Argentine tango where pulse and poetry play an equal role. As the most performed Spanish language opera in the world, the opera is regarded by many as an unconventional masterpiece. With poetry by Horacio Ferrer and music from composer and pioneer of nuevo tango, Ástor Piazzolla, audiences watch the heroine embody tango and the city itself in dream-like fashion.

The story centers around María who is rumored to be born in the slums of Buenos Aires on a day when God was drunk. As a young woman, she is seduced by tango and a city moving to the pulse of an intoxicating rhythm. She comes to embody the sensual dance at the loss of her mortality and is condemned to haunt the streets of Buenos Aires forever.

For the production, Opera Grand Rapids is engaging a team of artists at the top of their field, including Catalina Cuervo, the soprano with the most performances of the opera under her belt; Tony Awards nominated Argentine tango legends Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo; Grammy Awards nominated tango violinist Sami Merdinian, internationally renowned master of the bandoneon and foremost torchbearer of the music of Ástor Piazzolla, Daniel Binelli, to name a few.

Guests are encouraged to wear tango-inspired red and black attire to Night With The Opera in the spirit of the tango opera.

Opera Grand Rapids General Director Anne Berquist says that the gala is the company's most important fundraiser of the year.

"Night With The Opera is a longstanding annual community celebration in support of live opera in West Michigan. The proceeds from the event directly support our productions and educational programming throughout the year, bringing a cultural treasure to thousands in the region," Berquist said. "We are sincerely grateful to our supporters who demonstrate the value they place in securing opera's future in West Michigan by participating in this event."

Tickets to Night With The Opera are $250 and are on sale now through the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, 1320 East Fulton, 616.451.2741, and Eventbrite. Tickets include a sit-down dinner, complimentary premium cocktails and libations, and valet parking at the Monroe Center Parking Ramp on 35 Ionia Ave NW. To learn more about Night With The Opera, visit operagr.org/night-with-the-opera.

Opera Grand Rapids is currently hosting a raffle in conjunction with their Night With The Opera event. Included in the raffle is an Apple Watch Sport, Grand Rapids arts and entertainment treasures, including tickets to Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet and more, and six dinners for two at some of the area's most popular dining restaurants.

Tickets are $10 each and available for the public to purchase. All tickets purchased for the raffle are tax-deductible and support Opera Grand Rapids. To purchase raffle tickets, please contact the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office at 616.451.2741.

The drawing will be held Monday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m., and winners will be notified the same day. More information on the raffle can be found at operagr.org/night-with-the-opera.

Located in the heart of West Michigan, Opera Grand Rapids is the state's longest-running professional opera Production Company. Through the creativity and excellence of this timeless art form, Opera Grand Rapids enriches the West Michigan community and provides unique and powerful experiences that move people of all ages and backgrounds. Opera Grand Rapids' productions are produced and presented locally in West Michigan. For the productions, Opera Grand Rapids engages a cast of internationally acclaimed artists, stage directors, conductors, choreographers, set designers, costume designers, and others, in addition to the regional Grand Rapids Symphony, and Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and Children's Chorus.