October 2006 - Nr. 10
A Soiree to Remember
Imagine a winery in Woodbridge, the scent of wine in the air, the sounds of operatic music as a backdrop to the announcement of Opera York’s opening event for its tenth season. On September 9th Cilento Wines’ huge winery was transformed into an "Opera Soiree". Wine barrels, stacked two and three high shaped the space, which was decorated in fall colours. Instead of tables, barrels were used, covered with rust coloured table clothes and small spots of light from tea light candles illuminated the space magically. Delicious red wine was in everyone’s glasses for this special season opening. To add to the enchantment Opera York had bits and pieces of its scenery from the past 10 years scattered throughout the event space: Huge lilies from "La Traviata" hung over the food and large letters spelling "Maxims" from the Merry Widow were suspended over barrels. A goose from "Magic Flute" looked on and a screen and Japanese decorated fans from "Madama Butterfly" made everyone reminisce.
Over 180 members, guests and sponsors sampled food thanks to the Cortellucci Group of Companies and Grace Locilento and Cilento Wines donated all the proceeds of the wine to Opera York. President Philip Trow introduced a "taste" of the season with a rare performance of artistic directors Geoffrey Butler and Sabatino Vacca performing together. A few of this year’s cast came out to perform too:
Lucia Cesaroni received a standing ovation from the audience for her excerpts from her role of Suzanna from "The Marriage of Figaro."
Soprano, Sinead Sugrue wowed the audience wonderfully, demonstrating her considerable range with an excerpt of "Candide" followed by arias from Opera York’s second production for the season – La Traviata.
Baritone, Gerrit Theule rounded out the evening with a performance of arias in his role of Bartolo, from Marriage of Figaro.
During the evening, Joan Sax, co-founder of Opera York, was pleased to give recognition the company’s major sponsors: The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canadian Heritage, YRNG, Miller Thomson, and RBC Foundation and Echo Germanica, for their unwavering support. Yamaha Music Gallery graciously donated a nine-foot Yamaha Grand Piano to great acclaim of the company and audience. Volunteers were given recognition for their work during the evening as well. Tickets were sold, donations made and prizes won. This evening was all about good food, great music and friends supporting a worthwhile company. It was a great start to what promises to be a great season for Opera York.
