Opera Gala In Norfolk Will Be A Russian Delight

In addition to dinner and live performances by Virginia Opera artists, guests will be able to dance to the late 20th century tunes of Off the Record and enjoy the sampling of traditional Russian libations.

An online auction is open to the public at virginiaopera.cmarket.com until Jan. 24, 2008 in advance of the gala, which this season not only includes a silent auction as part of the evening’s festivities, but also a live auction that will feature special items. All auction proceeds benefit Virginia Opera and help support the company’s ability to produce high-quality operas, as well as the extensive education and outreach programs that touched the lives of more than 250,000 students and community members throughout the Commonwealth over the past year.

Serving as emcee for An Evening at the Winter Palace is Norfolk’s own Hope Mihalap, the national award-winning humorist with an ear for accents (she speaks fluent Greek, French and Italian), a love of opera, and a wealth of lively experiences to share – including her time working as private secretary to Sir Rudolf Bing, former head of the Metropolitan Opera. -- www.vaopera.org