St. Petersburg Opera Company Giving Back to the Arts

St. Petersburg Opera Company is undertaking another collaboration with local artists and arts companies. In conjunction with its production of Madama Butterfly, (June 10, 12 and 14 at the Palladium Theater), the opera company is joining with photographer Steven Le of Thee Photo Ninja and local art company, Canvas Zoo, to create beautiful archival images featuring the stars in their costumed roles.

The artwork being created for Madama Butterfly will include images from "Metamorphosis", a "behind the scenes" luncheon being held at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House in St Petersbirg on Friday, June 3rd. (to purchase tickets for the luncheon, contact the St. Petersburg Opera at 727-823-2040.) At this event, an American soprano, Lara Tillotson, will be transformed into a Japanese teenage bride through the art of makeup, wigs, and costumes. Images will also be taken at the final dress rehearsal. Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase these images as single prints on paper or canvas, framed or unframed, at all three performances as well as online. Advance orders are also being taken for opera lovers to have a photo taken with their favorite cast member. The archival quality autographed canvas will be available within a few days after the performance.

The St. Petersburg Opera is completing its fifth season of producing professional, live opera. Mark Sforzini, Executive and Artistic Director, notes that the company is on track to complete its fifth consecutive season "in the black" but fundraising remains a challenge. "With the virtual disappearance of governmental support and a difficult environment for corporate support, finding new ways to raise money is imperative. This initiative with high quality visual artists is an exciting opportunity for us. Steven Le and Canvas Zoo are great partners for us as they have the same high artistic standards that we have." The St. Petersburg Opera Company is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation. For more information, visit www.stpeteopera.org

Steven Le, Thee Photo Ninja, is the still photographer for Madama Butterfly. Le lives in the Tampa Bay Area. Le has photographed diverse events such as SPO's recent production of Johnny Schicchi,, Wine Mall and country artists for WQYK. For more of his work, visit www.TheePhotoNinja.com.

Jerri Menaul and the staff of Canvas Zoo are honored to be participating in this event. CanvasZoo.com enjoys helping people preserve the memories that make their heart happy as home and office decor.

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