The Dallas Opera’s once-in-a-lifetime 50th Anniversary Gala & Concert, “Bravo 5O!” starring the opera world’s most glamorous and beloved soprano, Renée Fleming, with special guest star Chris Botti, will take place Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in
downtown Dallas.
“We have an opportunity with this concert and event, for those who have not heard The Dallas Opera Orchestra and Chorus, to experience what a fine company we have here in Dallas,” enthused Joyce Mitchell, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
“This event was two years in the making, and it was well worth the time,” she added, “to find the perfect second star for our 50th Anniversary Concert to perform with our headliner, Renée Fleming. Chris Botti (the Grammy Award-winning trumpeter with an inventive approach to unforgettable jazz standards) is an exceptional musician and performer.
“I believe our concertgoers will enjoy an electrifying evening – one they will remember for a long, long time.”
Renée Fleming’s appearance is courtesy of Margot and the late Bill Winspear. The event designer is Tom Addis of Tom Addis Productions. Flowers are by Junior Villanueva with The Garden Gate Floral Design. Gala Patron favors by Cartier.
The Gala ticket includes Free Valet Parking, courtesy of Park Place Motorcars. Northern Trust, NA is sponsoring a special “Bravo 50!” patron party at the home of Frank and Laurie Sands Harrison.
The Dallas Opera chorus is prepared by Chorus Master Alexander Rom.
“It has been an honor to work with such a talented team of volunteers and Dallas Opera staff members in creating ‘Bravo 5O!’ and we are so very appreciative of the efforts of the Dallas business community and our many friends who have partnered with us to make this evening unforgettable,” explains “Bravo 5O!” Chairman Sally Berry.
“This celebration will not only honor our past,” Ms. Berry remarked, “it will also support The Dallas Opera in its exciting future – including the planned move to the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts in 2009.”
The concert program will also reflect The Dallas Opera’s illustrious history, including an homage to the legendary Maria Callas concert that inaugurated the Company 50 years ago (November 1957).
“The Gala Concert will hold some thrilling surprises,” promises Director of Artistic Administration Jonathan Pell. “And, certainly, it will reflect both the history of this Company and Ms. Fleming’s personal ties to The Dallas Opera, where she made her 1992 debut in the role of Tatiana in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.
“However, without giving too much away, the collaboration between Ms. Fleming and Mr. Botti and The Dallas Opera Orchestra and Chorus will also point the way to the glories that await the music lovers of North Texas – in the next fifty years!”
Gary Cogill, a 20-year-veteran of WFAA Television, co-host of “Good Morning Texas” and fulltime film critic, is also a nationally recognized radio personality and former voice actor who has provided hundreds of voices for radio and television commercials. He is also a genuine opera lover:
"I believe in the power of music and theater,” Mr. Cogill explains, “and, together, the experience often digs deep.
“Then there's, Opera, where I find myself so emotionally and intellectually engaged that I hold my breath and dare not spoil the moment by speaking a word.”
Mr. Cogill’s work has been seen in numerous television markets and he has personally appeared on the popular cable television channel, “American Movie Classics.” -- www.dallasopera.org
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