A Picnic and Opera in a Vineyard August 1, 2010

It is an evening of classic opera in a relaxed, casual setting nestled among the vines of Retzlaff Vineyards for Livermore Valley Opera's 18th annual Opera in the Vineyard on Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm. This fundraiser for LVO offers a chance for the community to enjoy arias from classic operas performed by professional singers in an informal setting. Silent auction and additional entertainment complete the event.

"This is a very popular event in the community and we expect another sell-out audience," says Teri Tith, LVO Event Chairperson and Board Member. "It's a 'bring-your-own-picnic' event where guests are entertained by some of the Bay Area's top opera talent, yet in a really laid back atmosphere. This year, guests will receive a commemorative LVO logo wine glass that they can keep and use when purchasing Retzlaff wines to compliment their picnic. Also new this year is an easy online reservation system via LVO's website and allows guests to reserve and hold a table for parties of eight.

Professional Bay Area opera stars David Gustafson ("Alfred" in LVO's Die Fledermaus) and Krista Wigle ("Musetta" in LVO's La Boheme), will perform arias from classic operas. Also performing are members of the award-winning Cantabella Children's Chorus, a collaborative partner in many LVO operas, and the Vintage Brass Quintet in their fifth appearance at the event.

Adding to the festivities is a silent auction when guests can bid on a variety of items donated from local businesses and entertainment venues. "We will have a number of delightful items representing the best of our valley including enticing local wines and dinner and golf packages," says Tith. "All proceeds from this event will go directly to funding our October performance of Mozart's "Don Giovanni."

Reservations for $30 can be made online at www.livermorevalleyopera.com, or by calling Event Chair Teri Tith at (925) 447-0536.

Official Website: http://livermorevalleyopera.org