| EVENT REPORT 10.30.08 1:27 PM |
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| Parisian Culture |
| Characters dressed as 19th-century artisans and the burlesque troupe Les Coquettes entertained guests at the Canadian Opera Company's fifth annual Operanation event, which also featured a performance of La Bohème. |
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The sights and sounds of life in Bohemian Paris filled the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Friday for the Canadian Opera Company fund-raiser entitled "Operanation V: La Vie Bohème." The fifth annual dinner and cocktail reception treated guests to a special presentation of Puccini's La Bohème. “Our goal for Operanation is to raise funds for the education and outreach programs of the Canadian Opera Company while making opera more accessible to a broader audience,” said Sarah Jarvis, the company's special events manager.
Jarvis worked with a volunteer team co-chaired by Greg Sullivan and Ingrid Chao to plan the benefit, which drew a sold-out crowd of 1,100. “The event now has a very loyal and enthusiastic following and they look forward to this event every year, as do I," Jarvis said. The evening began at 7 p.m. with a V.I.P. dinner in the Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge, where guests dined on French cuisine by Rose Reisman Catering. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | The Floral Studio topped tables with vases of red roses and black feathers.
Photo: Mark Ridout |
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 | Dancers from Les Coquettes Noveau Burlesque entertained guests at the cocktail reception.
Photo: Mark Ridout |
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 | Rose Reisman Catering served authentic French cuisine at a V.I.P. dinner in the Henry N.R. Jackman Lounge prior to the performance.
Photo: Mark Ridout |
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 | Guests mingled in the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room prior to the show.
Photo: Mark Ridout |
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 | Artists at work throughout the venue created the feel of Bohemian Paris.
Photo: Mark Ridout |
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An intimate operatic performance and a backstage tour of the opera house—designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects—followed the four-course meal, which included chateaubriand and vanilla cardamom truffle. A live auction offered V.I.P. guests the opportunity to bid on a chance to watch the performance of La Bohème from a unique perspective in the orchestra pit and backstage.
The second half of the evening, which began at 9 p.m., included a cocktail party in the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room and a performance of the opera. Students from the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts mingled with the crowd, playing the parts of 19th-century French performers while burlesque dancers from Les Coquettes entertained guests. “La Vie Bohème embraces the free spirit and artistry of Parisian culture, which was reflected throughout the evening, ensuring an unforgettable evening of pleasure for all,” Jarvis said.
Jarvis noted that the location for Operanation allows for the party to flow throughout three floors that all feel connected through the generous use of glass in the design of the building. Partygoers danced the night away to music by DJ Nick Fiorucci (Hi-Bias Records). Guests included company general director Alexander Neef, classical soprano Measha Brueggergosman, and five-time Gemini award-winning actress Wendy Crewson.
The evening concluded with a silent auction featuring hard-to-buy items like production photographs taken by company photographer Michael Cooper. Event sponsors included TD Canada Trust Music, CTV, and The Globe and Mail.
—Anne Marie Aikins
RELATED TOPICS
Canadian Opera Company, TD Canada Trust, CTV, The Globe and Mail, Scotiabank Group, Transat
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