Back to the daily grind

Now that our Summer Series is over, it's back to business - grant writing, preparing for Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro for those of us who don't read Italian!) and fundraising. Last Thursday evening was the last of the two phone-a-thons we had scheduled. It really isn't my favorite thing to do, but I try to remember that the people we're calling are opera patrons - friends of opera as it were - and while I do have to do that awful ask-for-money thing, I also love the opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends.

I'm really excited about the early sales reports we've had for Nozze - very promising. If you have favorite seats, I'd recommend getting them early. Most of our San Luis Obispo patrons tend to wait till the last minute to get their tickets, and I have a funny feeling that they'll be disappointed to find the best seats are already taken...

On another topic, I'm having so much fun being involved (as a bystander, of course) with the whole production process of opera. I'd have to say I've learned more about the process of making opera this last two months as I have in the last two years or more. So much detail work to be accomplished before anyone even arrives! And here's something I love - we're able to do more and more using our computers (being the techie I am) in support of other aspects of production than before.

Opera in the Vineyards

What an amazing concert! I do hope other attenders will share their comments about this one in the comments section of the blog, because it is definitely a concert experience that needs to be shared.

Where to begin??? The venue: Robert Hall Winery is a truly beautiful facility, and the Meritage Room provided the perfect place for this concert. The acoustics were just lovely, there is this amazing chandelier, and the ceiling had the most amazing coloring.

The singers: Oh yes, the singers. All I can say is that if you missed this one, your really missed out. Christopher Bengochea (a new father with a one-month old son) gave an outstanding performance, both vocally and dramatically. Carol Ann Manzi, who will play Butterfly in our March 2009 production of Madama Butterfly, gave us a wonderful preview of the fabulous show that's in store for us next year. And Sally Mouzon, who was new to PRO, showed us exactly why San Francisco Opera has chosen her for so many productions. All in all, I would have to say this was a truly remarkable performance all the way around.

So for this amazing concert, I have so many people to thank! Robert Hall, for the kind donation of his facility for our concert, and his staff for their amazing facilitation - not one hitch!! My staff; Julia Longo, Carolyn Mason and Brighton Hushing-Kline, and Board Member Melissa Mertogul for going above and beyond in every way during set-up, welcoming our patrons and clean-up. Our volunteers: Tim Mertogul, Remzi Mertogul, Kylie Mason and Bob Hushing-Kline, for their fabulous work in parking, set-up and take-down.

And lastly, to Robert Ashens, for his outstanding artistic leadership in not only putting this concert together, but also his deft and humorous narration. And as always, his wonderful accompaniment that left me in awe of his skills.

And, irritatingly enough, yes I forgot my camera. Again.

A powerful moment in cinema and opera

We came across this little video clip on youtube. You should check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSzatzy8WvM

The piece you will hear is "Sual'aria, Che soave zeffiretto," sung by Anna Moffo as Susanna and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf as the Countess.

A sellout concert!

Figaro and Friends was just fabulous! Our Figaro & Susanna (Steve Pence & Angela Cadelago) did one really cute scene from Le nozze di Figaro (Cinque, dieci, venti, trenta) that we all enjoyed very much. Marcellina (Karen Dunn) & Susanna performed Via, resti servita, madama brillante - Meow! - made me really look forward to our October production.

I had this moment early in the evening while I was listening to the singers warm up - kind of hard to describe - when I said to myself "I get to work for a company this does this!

Our next concert is Opera in the Vineyards, October 21st Sunday, at Robert Hall Winery. A really gorgeous facility, if you haven't been there before. What a great way for an end-of-summer day!

And here's a real treat - we just found out that Christopher Bengochea will be performing! Chris, former resident artist at Opera San Jose, 2005-2008 (and new father!), did the role of Cavarodossi in PRO's 2005 Tosca, and is a fabulous tenor. Carol Ann Manzi, the wonderful soprano we recently heard at Opera in the Terrace, will join him. Keep watching the blog for the new news.

More Figaro & Friends - insider tidbits

I found out today that not only are Dennis & Sharon going to be serving champagne, but Megan Loring is doing the catering... YUM!

But if you're going to order tickets, you need to do it soon!

And here's one more insider bit - it looks like our singers may be in costume!

Our other featured singers are Angela Cadelago (Susanna) and Karen Dunn (Marcellina).