Photos by Robert Berry, Scott Cunningham Photography
“There can never be too much opera!”
That’s the unofficial “opera-ting” slogan of Opera Project Columbus, a four-year-old grassroots organization based in Columbus. It launched with a mission to provide a platform for the many exceptional opera singers and instrumentalists in central Ohio, and do it on a scale that is accessible, intimate and affordable.
In addition to its traditional main stage productions and short performances, OPC is also becoming known for its soirees – opera performances held in the private homes of interested supporters. What was originally conceived of as a single fundraising event has evolved into one of the organization’s signature social gatherings, where opera can be enjoyed in a unique setting.
This season, OPC has staged two soirees, with another four scheduled for the next few months.
One was held in Olde Towne East at the Garden Manor home of Al Waddell and Allen Baker. The October event – which included libations, catered hors d’oeuvres, dinner, desserts and valet parking – was a formal black-tie affair that featured five singers and was attended by 80 people.
“What better reason to get all dressed up and spend a night at the opera with your friends?” says Waddell. “To hear opera sung in your own home is a deeply personal experience. It’s so close you can touch it, feel it and hear it.”
The Waddell-Baker party raised more than $5,000 in support of the troupe.
Some attendees are so moved by in-home opera that they become hosts themselves. Such was the case for Neal Hauschild and Jeff Ramm, who, after attending a less formal soiree in Gahanna, booked one in December at their New Albany residence, which borders the New Albany Country Club.
“We’re always looking for ways to give back, especially to the arts,” says Ramm. “After our first exposure, it was a no-brainer to have our own event to support the organization.”
“We are finding our audience through these soirees,” says Dione Parker Bennett, company artistic director. “We are making opera appealing and approachable for audiences of all ages. Opera is the original pop culture art form. It can be seen in movies, theater, cartoons, commercials and virtually all kinds of things we see and hear every day.”
For more information on the soirees or Opera Project Columbus’ 2014-15 season, visit www.operaprojectcolumbus.org.
Diane Schaefer is vice president of Opera Project Columbus’ board and hosted a soiree of her own at her home in early October. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
