By Amy Hillard

Opera Columbus’s Opera Ball XXV will be held April 25 at Nationwide Plaza in Downtown Columbus. This year’s event, with the theme "25 Years, One Musical Tradition," will be a celebration of Columbus' past and present communities.

Opera Columbus began the Opera Ball in 1984 to benefit its productions and Education and Community Programming. The first event took place at the Hyatt at Capital Square and was a masked ball with a Venetian carnival theme. Twenty-five years later, the Opera Ball is now the main fundraising event for Opera Columbus and has become an annual tradition for music fans throughout Columbus.

This year’s ball will take guests on a memorable journey through Columbus’ unforgettable past and present. The event will combine traditional Columbus restaurant items including a 55 Salad-inspired dinner, a Kahiki’s signature drink and a Ritzy’s inspired dessert, with live and silent auctions, wine raffles and appearances by local opera singers.

Columbus’ own Rick Brunetto Big Band, a 17-piece orchestra featuring swing, jazz, show tunes and contemporary rock will perform at the event. Befittingly, the Rick Brunetto Big Band also made its debut in 1984.

The Opera Ball begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are available for $300 to $750. Tables can be reserved starting at $3,000. The event is black tie optional. Opera Columbus’ projected monetary goal for this year’s ball is $100,000.

To make reservations contact Susan Ropp at 614-461-8101 ext.17 or visit www.operacolumbus.org/opera_ball.html.