Seattle Opera Day at MOHAI Set for 8/9

Come explore the colorful world of opera with the whole family on August 9. Seattle Opera is offering a community open house with hands-on-activities, performances, lectures and demonstrations from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). The free event is sponsored by Vulcan Real Estate, Seattle Opera, MOHAI, 4Culture, and Seattle's Office of Arts & Culture.

"Seattle Opera is a treasure of our community," said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield. "We're proud to offer the public this opportunity to engage with the opera's fascinating history in a really hands-on way."

Seattle Opera Day at MOHAI will offer fun things to do for all ages, including a preview of Seattle Opera's 2014/2015 season and a chance to hear from General Director Designate, Aidan Lang, as he talks about his vision for opera in Seattle.

Lang, who assumes leadership of the company this fall following Speight Jenkins' retirement, said community engagement programs will be central to the company moving into the future.

"Seattle Opera aims to create art that truly engages and speaks to our diverse community," Lang said. "We love our audiences-we'd be nothing without them. Equally crucial to connecting with existing supporters is the task of reaching out to new audiences; this is how our beloved opera will thrive in the 21st century. I am energized, and absolutely honored, to continue expanding upon the remarkable work of Speight Jenkins."

Attendees of the MOHAI open house will have the chance to see live stage combat and sword demonstrations, in addition to getting up-close-and-personal with the backstage process as makeup artists, wig experts and costume makers demonstrate how they transform the artists who perform at McCaw Hall. The event will also include a live concert performed by Marcy Stonikas and Ric Furman, competitors in the American Idol of opera-the 2014 International Wagner Competition (which takes place two days prior on Thursday, August 7).

Youth will have the opportunity to make winged helmets like the Valkyries, characters from Wagner's Ring. At the end of the event, everyone will have the opportunity to play in an orchestra-of kazoos, that is-led by General Director Designate Aidan Lang.

This all-ages event is also part of a celebratory weekend for Seattle Opera. The company, now celebrating its 50th Anniversary and the retirement of General Director Speight Jenkins, begins festivities with the International Wagner Competition on Thursday, August 7. On August 9, after the morning's MOHAI open house, Seattle Opera fans can head to McCaw Hall for the Speight Celebration that evening; 16 of Seattle Opera's best loved singers return to serenade the departing General Director in a live concert with full chorus and orchestra, followed by a black-tie reception and dinner.

For a full schedule of the day's events, please visit: SeattleOpera.org/MOHAIDay.

Seattle Opera Day at MOHAI
11-2 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2014
Museum of History & Industry
Seattle, Washington

The event is free; there is no charge for access to the MOHAI atrium throughout the duration of the open house. Visitors purchasing an admission ticket will be able to enjoy the entire museum.

Seattle Opera Day at MOHAI is sponsored by Vulcan Real Estate, Seattle Opera, MOHAI, 4Culture and Seattle's Office of Arts & Culture.

International Wagner Competition
7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2014
Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
Seattle, Washington

Speight Celebration Concert & Dinner
6 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2014
Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
Seattle, Washington

2013/14 Season Sponsor: The late Gladys Rubinstein, in memory of Sam Rubinstein.

For tickets and information, call 800-426-1619 or 206-389-7676 or visit www.seattleopera.org,.