Night Beneath the Stars Gala Celebrates 50 Years of Opera in West Michigan

Opera Grand Rapids will host a "Night Beneath the Stars" gala fundraiser in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on May 18 at the Van Andel Institute.

The evening features live performances from Billboard chart-topping crooner, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., and a headliner performance from operatic-crossover trio, Forte Tenors. Guests can also expect handpicked fare from the community's finest restaurants, dancing, and mingling with other arts advocates. Tickets to the event are on sale now.

"Night Beneath the Stars" guests will enjoy samples from such restaurants as The Chop House, Nonna's Trattoria, and Six.One.Six, and non-stop entertainment as they mingle with their friends among a dreamy ambience. Guests will be encouraged to end their night by dancing to their favorite hits and savoring a selection of sweets and comfort cuisine.

As an integral part of the city's artistic fabric, through their support, event attendees are seeing to its continual flourishing. Funds from the event ensure Opera Grand Rapids' artistic excellence and sustain its education and outreach programs, such as the Children's Opera, Collegiate Vocal Competition, and five-dollar student ticket programs.

Honorary Celebration Chairs David and Carol Van Andel invite the public to join the celebration to support Opera Grand Rapids' vital role in strengthening West Michigan's vibrant arts community.

"Opera gives us a unique window into the arts, and indeed, into the world itself, helping us all to appreciate what it is to be human," says Carol Van Andel. "For anyone who appreciates the breadth and depth of storytelling at its finest, I strongly encourage them to engage and support Opera Grand Rapids."

The "Night Beneath the Stars" headliner, Forte Tenors, presents an operatic take on today's most popular songs.

Forte comprises tenors Josh Page, Hana Ryu, and University of Michigan School of Music graduate Sean Panikkar. The group has performed at prestigious venues, such as Carnegie Hall and the White House, and has been the featured guest at numerous charity galas. Their eponymous debut album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Classical Albums chart.

Welcoming guests during a cocktail hour will be Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., covering favorites from artists such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

With over 100 sold-out concerts across three continents, including Caesars Palace and the Apollo Theater, and a debut album from a Grammy-winning producer that hit the top of the Billboard charts, Laundau Eugene Murphy, Jr. covers crowd favorites ranging from jazzy singalongs to the most memorable dance numbers.

In the afterglow of the headliner performance from Forte Tenors, guests can expect another performance of crowd-pleasing dance songs from Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., to close out their evening.

Proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids' productions, including performances on the DeVos Performance Hall stage and other community venues, as well as outreach programs that support youth and emerging artists' arts education.

One program dear to the hearts of Honorary Chairs David and Carol Van Andel is the Betty Van Andel Scholarship, an award given to a student resident to cover expenses of opera training outside of a traditional degree. The Scholarship, named in honor of Betty Van Andel and inspired by her lifelong passion for music, covers funds needed to pursue successful careers in the arts, such as workshops, and study abroad and young artist programs.

The gala program will include the awarding of the 2017-2018 Betty Van Andel Scholarship and a live auction with funds raised supporting the Scholarship. Additionally, Opera Grand Rapids will showcase the accomplishments of previous Scholarship winners.

Tickets to the gala, "Night Beneath the Stars" are $250 each. The ticket price covers admission and valet parking, fine foods, champagne, wine, beer and cocktails, and the evening's entertainment. Tickets support Opera Grand Rapids classic and innovative programming, education and outreach programs and community events. Guests are encouraged to dress in black tie attire. For more information on the event, visit 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.