On Saturday May 31, Opera Kelowna will hold its annual fashion fundraising event entitled Rococo Sun + Snow.
This fashion fundraiser is to benefit Opera Kelowna’s International Student Summer Opera Program. The Summer Opera Program is a part of Opera Kelowna’s Young Artist Vocal Education programs, which focus on providing guidance and training for promising young artists who are preparing to pursue a vocal career and careers in piano accompaniment and vocal coaching throughuniversity and/or conservatory enrolment.
This program allows approximately 14 classically trained singers to travel from various parts of North America to the Okanagan to receive the highest form of training, transitioning them from an academic to a professional level of singing. Students will receive training in movement, staging, private vocal lessons, diction, master classes and coaching with world-class Scottish conductor Bernard McDonald, culminating in an outstanding performance for the Okanagan’s appreciative public. The integration of this beautiful art-form into the community continues to be met with great enthusiasm.
In addition, raised funds will go to the mainstage production of Mozart Great Beginnings, the openings of three great operas by W.A. Mozart, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Così Fan Tutte (They’re all like that) and Le Nozze Di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), on June 13 featuring Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia, Conductor in Residence for both Pacific Opera Victoria (POV) and the Victoria Symphony.
Mozart mined the riches of great literature and fairy tales to create comic masterworks with great appeal for everyone. This performance is an excellent introduction to the world of opera. With the help of local businesses and the Central Okanagan Foundation, we are able to offer a special 45-minute matinee performance fully costumed and with orchestra for seniors and students for only $9. The full production, which runs 90 minutes, will be performed in the evening and is sure to sell out just like last year. One performance only.
Our Fashion Show fundraiser will celebrate local boutiques, artists and costumers. Sold out last year, this year’s show will feature stylists who will use the apparel of existing and emerging designers and fashions from various local boutiques to create each unique runway look celebrating sun and snow elements with a splash of Rococo.
This intimate event will be held at a luxury lakeside estate donated for the evening. Guests have the option to arrive by land, sea or air. What is the dress code for a classical concert, fashion show and after party on the beach? Barefoot Cocktail Chic™ of course. In other words, start the evening in your cocktail dress and stilettos but be prepared to kick them off at any time.
We are so pleased to once again team up with photographer Darren Hull who will capture the magic of the evening for all our guests. Celebrate the fresh new looks you see on the runway and purchase your favourite pieces directly from the designers in our Style Lounge. This unique feature will provide sponsors like Jennikenns Vintage Clothing and Accessories, Sassy Shoes and Celladora Resort Wear with the ability to showcase new collections and interact directly with each guest.
See the latest in cosmetics from Faces, recreate the make-up looks created by Jenny McKinney for the runway, and choose your favourite hair pieces designed by Kristal Rostecki of Inspirado Designs. Tweet your new look and show the world how fabulous you are for a chance to win amazing prizes.
As our guests arrive either by limo, car, boat, or float plane, 50th Parallel Estate Winery will be pouring in the main house and Okanagan Spirits will provide their unique version of our season’s signature drink, The Elixir of Love. The evening will begin with a short concert featuring some of Opera Kelowna’s resident artists, special musical guests like cellist Nicholas Denton and singers from our Resident and Young Artists programs including Candesca and Cantato, followed by a fashion show produced by James Blonde of Revolution Events, fire and circus performers on the beach courtesy of Cosmic Co-Motion, and a DJ After-Party by the boat house.
Complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and designer sweets will be created just for you. Chef Roger Planiden of Culinary Adventure will be catering and professional chocolatier, Tanya Peters, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will tempt you with delicious designer chocolate treats.Please join us as we celebrate fashion, food and the arts with a beautiful evening you will never forget.
We would like to thank our remaining sponsors for the evening and for their help in producing Mozart Great Beginnings. These sponsors include Springfield Funeral Homes, Impact Kelowna, artist Charla Maarschalk, décor sponsor Artistic Designs by Colleen and Harmony Acura for their luxury fleet with shuttle service for our guests from the parking lot to the estate grounds. Please visit our website for details about these amazing companies and others who have come on board to support the cultural arts in our community.
The event will take place at a Luxury Lakeside Estate in Carr’s Landing on Saturday, May 31 at 7 pm. (The address will be released to ticket purchasers only.)
Tickets are available: Online at www.operakelowna.com and www.eventbright.com, by phoning Opera Kelowna at 250-575-1434 orin person from 50th Parallel Estate Winery 17101 Terrace View Road, Lake Country 250-766.3408 and Faces Cosmetics & European Day Spa (Orchard Park) 2271 Harvey, Kelowna 250-869-4114.
Tickets will not be available at the door.
Event Tickets — $100
Event Tickets with limo service — $150
