Florida Grand Opera will host its 79th Season Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
Fundraising proceeds from The Butterfly Ball Gala support FGO’s mission-driven Artistic Programming, Arts Education and Community Engagement Programs, which continue to expand throughout South Florida and expose over 20,000 children and families per year to music and the arts.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception with Prosecco sponsored by Dall’Armellina Vineyards in the Peacock Foundation Studio at 5 p.m., followed by a performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at 6 p.m. in the Ziff Opera House.
“Featuring an internationally acclaimed cast and several members of FGO’s Studio Artists making their mainstage debut with the company, Madama Butterfly is a breathtaking production we are excited for the South Florida community to experience,” said Susan T. Danis, general director and CEO. “There could not be a better way to celebrate our 79th season.
After the performance, gala guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres inspired by Butterfly and the flavors of Japan. The cocktail reception will be followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by Chef Brad Kilgore, a James Beard award finalist, and Executive Chef of BRAVA by Brad Kilgore at the Arsht Center. Gala guests will enjoy exclusively paired wines from Penfolds Wine during hors d’oeuvres and a seated dinner as well as Bacardi featured brands. The night will conclude with dancing to the sounds of Mirage.
The evening will feature both a silent and live auction to include once in a lifetime experiences, such as: The Ultimate Hamilton Experience on Broadway, featuring a private in-theater meet-and-greet and dinner with the cast; 100-Level tickets to the LIV Superbowl with VIP access; Andrea Bocelli in concert in Paris to include a five-night stay and private tour of the Louvre; Lady Gaga in Concert with a two-night stay at the Bellagio, Las Vegas; Baltic and Icelandic Cruises featuring beautiful St. Petersburg and volcanic and glacial tours; as well as private opera concerts in your home and ultimate backstage experiences at FGO, and many more amazing experiences and items to choose from.
Auction items will be available to FGO patrons for preview and pre-bid one week prior to the gala. The gala and proceeds from the auctions will benefit FGO’s outreach programs, music education and future productions.
“We have curated a selection of auction items we think will resonate with our gala guests and generate revenue for FGO’s arts and education programs. With the lack of, and shrinking exposure to, music and arts in our schools, it is imperative that South Florida’s organizations like FGO fill the gap and provide opportunities to our community’s children and families,” said Tina Vidal-Duart, Gala chair and board member, FGO Board of Directors.
The Gala Host Committee: Carlos and Tina Vidal-Duart; Drs. Alvan and Linda Balent; Per Loof and Robin Blackwell; Carla D’Andre and David Treitel; Victor and Lisa Mendelson; Bobby Sanchez, and Robert and Florence Werner.
Tickets begin at $1,000* and are available for purchase by contacting Anabel Yupanqui at 305-403-3315 or gala@fgo.org. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about corporate or individual sponsorship opportunities, call Mabel Domenech at 305-403-3317 or email mdomenech@fgo.org.
(*Tickets to Puccini’s Madama Butterfly are sold separately; call 800-741-1010 or select your seats online at www.FGO.org.
