Seattle Opera Gala Funds Company's Mission of Equity in the Arts

Everyone is invited to Seattle Opera's 2017 Gala-Beyond the Stage. The black-tie event celebrates the fanciful artistry of The Magic Flute and serves as a pivotal fundraiser for the company's Education and Community Engagement programs.

"The generous donations we receive at this spectacular event, as well as year-round, help us to actively work toward racial equity and social justice in the arts," said General Director Aidan Lang. "Our donor family makes it possible for us to bring music and storytelling to people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic means across Washington State."

The Gala will include performances by Seattle Opera's Youth Opera Choruses, as well as by artists from The Magic Flute, which plays at McCaw Hall, May 6-21, 2017. Singers includeChristina Poulitsi (Queen of the Night), Lauren Snouffer (Pamina), and Andrew Stenson(Tamino). Guest of Honor Zandra Rhodes has created wearable works of art for celebrities such as Princess Diana, as well as costumes for Seattle Opera productions The Magic Flute andThe Pearl Fishers. The evening will also include firsthand testimonials from young people that speak to the often life-changing impacts of Seattle Opera programs such as Teen Vocal Studio, Opera Time, and more.

Funding from the Gala will help the company continue expanding its community programs in Washington State. In 2016, the $280,000 raised at the Gala allowed Seattle Opera to increase the number of people served in school and adult programs, reaching a total of 70,000 students, adults, and seniors. The range of programs offered includes Artful Aging, designed for retirement and community centers, as well as school residencies where children create and perform their own operas. Last year, the company served a total of 25,460 students in schools, half of which are Title I (denoting a high percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch). Due to generous donations and events such as the Beyond the Stage Gala, Seattle Opera is able to provide performances, in-school residencies, and other enrichment offerings to Title I schools free of charge.

Highlights of the evening will include floral arrangements by Loves Me Flowers, with creative stylings by Tolo Events. A feast provided by the Fairmont will include a salad course, three entrée options, and a Blackberry Sambuca Cake with white chocolate for dessert. Wine is generously donated by For a Song Wine.

The live and silent auctions will include exclusive culinary experiences, travel, and the chance to see behind-the-scenes magic at Seattle Opera. Bid on box seats to the Seattle Mariners, a Napa Valley getaway, and a racetrack package from Ferrari of Seattle, complete with dinner and a stay at Alderbrook Resort and Spa. Private-cabin stays on Hood Canal, Decatur Island, and Lopez Island will also be on the bidding menu. Attendees could win a performance and dinner with the General Director, or go backstage during a performance with the Stage Manager. Items will also include wine and ale from Washington State wineries, as well as Georgetown Brewing and Copperworks Distilling Company.

Ron Hippe of Northup Fundraising Auctions will serve as auctioneer. The silent auction will be available online to the general public in advance of the event. Anyone can bid, not just guests of the Gala! Visit seattleopera.org/gala for details.

To learn more about the Gala and to RSVP, visit our Gala Facebook event page or seattleopera.org/gala. You can also call Donor Services at 206.389.7669.

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