We really hope you’re going to take advantage of the variety of free/nominal fee events we have planned for you this coming weekend and throughout next week. The “Figaro in Flip-Flops” series of casual, pre-season events continues on Saturday with “Inside The Dallas Opera” at noon on WRR 101.1 FM when I pull up a chair with former “Star-Telegram” classical music critic Wayne Gay to discuss Puccini and with new General Director George Steel to talk about his life, vision, and all that jazz.
At 2:00 pm on Saturday, we’re meeting at the McKinney Ave. Contemporary for a performance by one of our two Emerging Artists and the DADA Gallery walk. The other Emerging Artist will be performing as well, you can check the calendar for full details. It’s all free of charge.
Sunday, the 14th it’s Chef Sharon Van Meter, assistant Lenny Watson and the Milestone Culinary Arts Center class on French Cuisine. Reservations for the $50 course are required in advance, call 214.443.1000. You can opt for the $25 tasting, but call the same number to make your reservation.
On Monday, we have my bookclub at Barnes & Noble Prestonwood Center on Beltline Rd. and we’re discussing “Literary Cafes of Paris.” That’s from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm and it’s free. Call 214.443.1044.
Monday evening, if you can, can, can; join us for a showing of “Moulin Rouge” with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, part of the Inwood Lobby Living Room series, beginning at 7:30. It’s free but reservations are required because this fills up fast. Call 214.443.1044.
Tuesday the 16th, come see how today’s up-and-coming young artists live and work at Centraltrak, 800 Exposition Ave. Our most popular lecturer, Dr. Stephen Dubberly, will regale us with stories about La boheme and we’ll have a chance to view works by these local art students. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Free.
Next Wednesday, Paula Lambert at Mozzarella Cheese Company on Elm Street hosts “French wines and Texas Cheeses” from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. It’s 15 dollars per person and you’ll need to make a reservation at 214.443.1000 or here: http://tickets.dallasopera.org/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=2965
The following night is your chance to learn how to speak Italian at the Italian Club of Dallas (14865 Inwood Rd. in Addison) at 7:00 pm. Useful phrases and terminology — useful cultural tips, too. And it’s free. Call 214.443.1044 to reserve your seat.
A few more things to make note of: SINGLE TICKETS FOR THE 2008-2009 SEASON GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND AT 10:00 AM. Don’t keep it a secret, tell all your friends.
The following Sunday, September 28th, Dallas Opera Chorus member Kyle Hancock is presenting a recital of Irish music at 3:00 pm at the downtown Public Library auditorium. Admission to “Dear Harp of My Country: Irish Music for Harp and Voice” is free. We understand a few jigs and reels will be intertwined with the lovely ballads.
Later that afternoon, The Dallas Opera Guild is conducting its annual Season Premiere Party (this year’s theme: the wedding of Susanna and Figaro!) at Edgemere, 8523 Thackery Street, from 5:30 until 9:00 pm. It’s $50 per person to enjoy tapas and sangria, a seated Spanish dinner, entertainment and more but you will definitely need reservations. You can make them by calling the Guild office at 214.443.1040 or visit guild@dallasopera.org
Whew!
Suzanne Calvin, Assoc. Dir. of Marketing, The Dallas Opera