Opera Grand Rapids to Host Annual Night With The Opera Gala, 10/30

Opera Grand Rapids is ramping up for its annual Night With The Opera fundraiser on October 30 surrounding the company's season opening concert of Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem." Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in an evening of unique cuisine and libations, live performances, and plenty of ghosts and ghouls at this year's Halloween-themed event. All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids' mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for high quality, live opera in West Michigan.

In keeping with tradition, Night With the Opera will treat guests to a festive evening packed full of live performances, along with the opportunity to join other advocates in support of live opera in the community.

Night With The Opera Co-Chair Lisa DeFerrari says the gala will be a fun and unique celebration filled with magnificent performances.

"Guests will experience a haunting night of non-stop tricks and treats to kick off an exciting new season at Opera Grand Rapids," said DeFerrari. "Night With The Opera will present a thrilling selection of live entertainment that will captivate guests throughout the evening."

This year's Night With The Opera gala, held in the Amway Grand's Pantlind Ballroom, will feature a unique selection of Creole cuisine and cocktails, live aerobatic performances by the Daredevil Circus, and Opera Grand Rapids' presentation of Verdi's renowned "Requiem" at DeVos Performance Hall, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Steven Mercurio.

"Night With The Opera is not only a fun event, but the proceeds from the event help to support everything from our main-stage productions to educational programming throughout the year," said Executive Director Anne Berquist.

"We are sincerely grateful to our supporters who demonstrate the value they place in West Michigan's only professional opera company by participating in this event."

Tickets to Night With The Opera are $150 for the gala only and $215 with a discounted orchestra ticket to the performance of "Requiem." Tickets are on sale now through the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, 1320 East Fulton, 616.451.2741 ext. 2 and Eventbrite. Tickets include a strolling supper, complimentary cocktails, and parking at the Fifth Third ramp on Monroe Avenue. To learn more about Night With The Opera, visit operagr.org/night-with-the-opera.

Night With The Opera Schedule

5:00 - 7:00 pm Pantlind Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Make your way through the mist and moss-laden branches for a cocktail and strolling supper of savory Creole cuisine. Gaze in awe at a breathtaking acrobatic performance by the Daredevil Circus while you mingle with the ghosts and ghouls. Open bar available.

7:30 pm DeVos Performance Hall

Enjoy the dramatic and haunting sounds of Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem." Influenced by the traditional Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead, in which mercy is sought on the Day of Judgement, Verdi's "Requiem" presents the drama of opera and the thrill of wonderful symphonic writing combined with stellar, virtuosic solo moments few pieces in the repertoire offer. Presented by Opera Grand Rapids and led by internationally acclaimed conductor and composer, Steven Mercurio.

Curtain-10:30 pm Pantlind Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

After the final ringing chord, and under the spell of a waning Hunter's Moon, return to the Ballroom where you'll join the stars of "Requiem" for a complimentary glass of champagne and beignets and bread pudding to close out a bewitching evening. Cash bar available.

Black tie optional. Costumes and/or masks encouraged.

About Opera Grand Rapids

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 Orchestra, and Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and Children's Chorus.

Subscriptions for Opera Grand Rapids 2015-16 season are available through the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, 1320 East Fulton, 616.451.2741 ext. 2. Tickets for the 2015-2016 season will go on sale September 8. For additional details, visit www.operagr.org.