Sylvia McNair Headlines Chicago Opera Theater Gala March 11

On Sunday, March 11 Chicago Opera Theater (COT) will host its 38th Anniversary Gala: A Celebration Less Ordinary at Carnivale (702 West Fulton). The 2012 Gala Committee, led by COT Board Members and Gala Co-Chairs Dorothy Osborn Walton and Robert E. Shapiro, will honor General Director Brian Dickie on his final season with COT and inaugurate The Brian Dickie Outstanding Young Singer Award. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, and performing exclusively for guests of the gala, is two-time Grammy Award winner and regional Emmy winner Sylvia McNair.

Since Brian became General Director in the summer of 1999, he has brought the company to national and international recognition and acclaim. 2012 will mark Brian’s final year with Chicago Opera Theater and highlights a 50 year legacy in opera management and administration.

“As always, I am looking forward to this wonderful celebration – although this year it is tinged with a degree of sadness that this will be my last one,” comments Brian Dickie. “The past 12 years have been nothing short of extraordinary and I share the accolades with our innovative Board, generous sponsors and loyal fans.”

On his behalf, The COT Board of Directors will inaugurate The Brian Dickie Outstanding Young Singer Award, honoring Brian’s long history and tremendous passion for identifying and developing the careers of todays best emerging young talent. The award will be given each year to a young opera singer who demonstrates true promise for an exceptional career in opera.

“The identification and development of young talent has been my life’s work, so I am thrilled to have this Young Singer’s Award be named in my honor,” says Brian.

Guests of this less-than-ordinary Gala will enjoy a behind the scenes peek into the world of Chicago Opera Theater filled with Latin-inspired bites and beats from Carnivale; a pulse-raising live auction; a tribute performance by COT performers; and live music provided by Fig Media.

The opera will sizzle at Carnivale from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets range in price from $100 Gala Reception for Young Professionals to $2,500 Benefactor Sponsorship which includes four gala tickets, name recognition, cocktail reception, gala dinner, access to the silent auction and the special performance. To purchase tickets or make a donation visit www.chicagooperatheater.org.