Mozart’s Magic Flute Makes for a Spectacular Opera Camerata Season Opener

The Opera Camerata of Washington opened its 2013 season with an artistic evening hosted by the Colombian Ambassador, His Excellency Carlos Urrutia.  Dedicated to the memory of Michael H. Kappaz, himself a supporter of the arts, the elegant rooms of the Ambassador’s residence resounded with the glorious notes of Mozart’s  The Magic Flute.

The evening began with cocktails as attendees mixed and mingled to an impromptu performance from the brass section of the orchestra. A silent auction helped to fund the evening, as well as the educational programs the Opera Camerata brings to DC public schools to expose students to the art.

Part of the goal of these events is to introduce a diverse group to the enjoyment of these classic tales, from seasoned veterans of international opera venues — such as 90-year-old Verna Lopatkiewicz — to first time listeners.

Opera Camerata “harken[ed[ back to another time” — one of glamour and intimacy in the evening at the opera — according to Verna Fawcett, as the opera started in the grand ballroom, and Dr. Tim White, board member and former DC reporter, generously lent his voice to its introduction.  Songs cast down from balconies surrounded the audience with the twists an turns of the story as ballerinas twirled only a few feet away.

After the last of the applause turned into excited chatter, the doors to the dining room swung open to reveal a delectable dinner for guests to enjoy as they reacted to the opera and had the chance to meet the performers.

*Opera Camerata will be presenting four more of these total evening experiences this summer, with Pagliacci on June 8th.