Guild, Guests Strike Warrior Pose at Brunhilde Party

From a standing position, exhale and step your feet apart wide, raising your arms out to the sides, palms down. Turn your right foot at 90-degree angle, creating an alignment from your right heel that intersects the heel of your left foot, and turn your right thigh outward so that your your right knee cap is aligned with the center of your right ankle.

Keep your torso straight and facing forward and turn your head to look over your right fingers. Slowly bend your right knee, exhaling as you bring your right shin perpendicular to the floor, keeping your arms outstretched. Anchor your left foot into the floor.

You are now in the yoga position of Warrior 2 -- one of the several confident and strong and centering poses that Toledo Opera Guild members and guests stretched into for a recent Brunhilde Party fundraiser. The event raised $1,000 toward the guild's mission of supporting the Toledo Opera.

More than two dozen women gathered in the Hanna family home for an opera-inspired yoga class led by guild member Shirley Joseph, who also prepared an amazing brunch with the help of fellow guild members Barbara Brown and Wafaa Hanna.

Baher Hanna greeted guests at the door as they scurried in from a burst of spring rain. "Wafaa's husband, Baher, worked so hard to guarantee that our event would be lovely," Joseph said. "I told him we should make him an honorary Guild member!"

The Toledo Opera Guild did in fact gain two new members at the event, one which was gifted by a drawing. They both hail from the University of Toledo's medical college: Dr. Thea Sawicki, vice provost for health science affairs and university accreditation; and Dr. Amira Gohara, pathology professor and dean emerita.

The brunch menu was presented in acts like an opera:

ACT I

Mimi’s Mimosas: orange juice and champagne cocktails topped with fresh raspberries as a nod to Puccini's "La Bohème" character Mimi.

Valkyries Vidalia Onion/Swiss Cheese Bake and other assorted cheeses: Brunhilde, a Valkyrie in Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen," is the namesake of the guild's fundraising series; according to Norse mythology, the Valkyries were female warriors who choose who may die in battle or live.

Melba Toast: inspired by the Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba and created in her honor by famous chef and fan Auguste Escoffier in 1897.

Assorted Vegetables with a Hummus Dip.

ACT II

Tosca Salad and Figaro Dressing: tossed organic field greens with cranberries and toasted walnuts with fig-infused balsamic vinegar and organic Adriatic fig spread dressing

ACT III

Chicken Tetrazzini: a delicious blend of chicken breasts and pasta in a harmonious sherry wine cream sauce with a special blend of herbs and a Parmesan cheese topping. This dish was created by Luisa Tetrazzini from Tuscany when she tasted turkey for the first time in America and added it to her pasta.

Red Cabbage with Granny Smith Apples and Tart Montmorency Cherries: a German recipe in honor of composer Richard Wagner

Phyllo Dough Roll-Ups with Beef Rolls and Butter

ACT IV

Opera Cake: the Classic Opera Cake created for the Paris Opera House. Almond cake with coffee-flavored buttercream, chocolate ganache and chocolate glaze, adorned with the word OPERA.

Butterfly Cookies: in honor of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s famous opera "Madama Butterfly," which the Toledo Opera will present in October.

ENCORE

Opera Prima, a Spanish Moscato, will caress the palate as an aperitif or with dessert -- or both! -- in honor of the prima dona in Bizet’s "Carmen."

Attendees first worked up their appetites and centered themselves for relaxing company on yoga mats in the large open basement. With lights dim and the instructor's gentle voice encouraging awareness of one's body and mental presence, guests filled their bodies with cleansing oxygen and aligned themselves with peace and clarity, working out stresses and worries as well as tight muscles and sore joints.

"I try to teach yoga as a way of life so that people can reach their full potential," Joseph said.

Such could be said of the guild's mission to spread passion for opera, enriching lives and helping our amazing local opera reach its full potential. It is a way of life.

Joseph shared this message: "Learning to stand strong creates confidence; and confidence empowers you to face whatever challenge comes your way. ... Remember to call on your 'inner warrior' as you face the battles in life. Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming challenges is what makes life meaningful and fulfilling."

Our next Brunhilde Party is scheduled for June 16 at the Paula Brown Shop in downtown Toledo. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance from guild members, at Hafner Florist and at Paula Brown, as well as at the door on the day of the event. Keep checking this blog and the guild's Facebook page for details!

Men In Black gala 'poetic affair of food'

The Blade newspaper offered a delectable preview of the meal being planned for Men In Black: Opera Gala 2015.

"The palate is being pleased along with the senses of sound and sight — you have good-looking men, who are impeccably dressed in black tie attire (as well as the guests) — explained Suzanne Rorick, Toledo Opera executive director, and gala co-chairman Susan Allan Block."

Read the story here: Toledo Opera's Men In Black gala an ‘homage to the men’

The gala, set for 7 p.m. May 9 at the Toledo Club downtown, will feature four fantastic men: Michael Chioldi, bass-baritone; Kristopher Irmiter, bass; Jamie Offenbach, bass-baritone; Mark Rucker, baritone; and Hyung Yun, baritone. Kevin Bylsma will accompany.

Tickets for the black-tie fundraising affair are $250 per guest. Visit toledoopera.org to download the invitation and RSVP.

Put Some Flowers in Your Helmet

Designer Keith Brooks arranges flowers for the 2014 Crosby
Arts Festival preview party. (Photo courtesy Facebook)

Some characters have really good stories to tell.

When that character is a master designer and has been in the Toledo area for decades, those stories are going to be great.

Spend an evening with Keith Brooks as part of the Toledo Opera Guild's Brunhilde Parties Fundraising Series and hear some of these colorful tales firsthand.

Guests will gather in two locations Tuesday, April 14: first, at 5:30 p.m., dinner at Memphis Pearl restaurant, 5147 Main St., Sylvania; then at Hafner Florist next door, 5139 Main St., where Brooks will demonstrate flower arranging.

One lucky guest will get to keep the stunning creation he will make, but all will leave with a little gift from Hafner Florist.

Cost for the entire evening is $35 per person. Dinner is included; a cash bar will be available at the restaurant.

Proceeds will directly benefit the opera guild, thanks to event organizer and underwriter Laura Draheim.

To RSVP, contact Draheim at 419-475-1720 or ldraheim3434@att.net.

Guild Party Paints Masterpieces

Brittany McMahon Craig paints swirls of pink and orange.

As part of the Brunhilde Party Fundraising Series, Cindy Niggemyer recently hosted guild members and other guests at CBK Studio for a painting workshop and gourmet luncheon.

Canvas masterpieces were created while attendees sipped wine and listened to the music of Bolero on March 11 at the studio at 2620 Centennial Road in Toledo.

For more photos, check out the album on our Facebook page.

The event was sold out and raised $280 to support the Toledo Opera Guild and its mission to raise awareness of and financial support for opera in Toledo and northwest Ohio.

Upcoming Brunhilde events that are open to the public include: an evening with Keith Brooks at Memphis Pearl restaurant and Hafner Florist, hosted by Laura Draheim; and opera-inspired yoga and lunch at the home of Wafaa Hanna, hosted by Shirley Joseph and Barbara Brown.

Phashion of the Opera Will Be Phantastic

We've switched our clocks an hour ahead, the sun is bravely trying to melt the snow, and the official first day of spring is just around the corner. Our toes are desperate to be free of our boots and our arms would like to feel something besides wool -- soon, please!

It's the perfect time to be preparing for Phashion of the Opera, the Toledo Opera Guild's spring fashion show. This is the premier runway event in northwest Ohio, and it is guaranteed to satisfy your yearning for fresh fashion.

Event chairmen Joyce Stenberg and Pam Bettinger, along with a super committee of guild members, are presenting two opportunities to enjoy this signature event.

The show is slated for April 29 at the Toledo Club, with fellowship and vendor shopping beginning at 9:30 a.m., runway at 11 a.m., and lunch in the club's Main Dining Room immediately following. A "Peek Behind the Curtain" dress rehearsal and hors d'oeurvres reception will be held the prior evening, at 5:30 p.m. April 28 at the Toledo Club.

Tickets for the Phashion of the Opera runway show are $50 for general admission and $75 for diva level with front-row seating. Tickets for the Peek Behind the Curtain event are $50. Proceeds directly benefit the Toledo Opera. Order online at http://brownpapertickets.com/event/1343495.

Exciting elements for this year's Phashion of the Opera include celebrity models joining the professional models of Studio K Coaching, and guests will have the chance at buying and popping balloons to win gift items such as dining certificates, jewelry, and other complimentary offerings from local businesses and opera supporters.

To learn more about celebrity modeling, for a $500 donation to the guild, email the event committee at toledooperaguild@gmail.com.

Guild members who would like to help prepare mailings for the event are encouraged to contact Joyce. Envelope stuffing will take place at 10 a.m. March 18 at Charlies Taverna Greek restaurant, off of Dussell Drive in Maumee.

Mark your calendars now for these amazing events. It's going to be just Phabulous!

Toledo Opera Thanks Guild for 'Susannah' Sponsorship

Cindy Niggemyer, president of the Toledo Opera Guild, shared a letter from Toledo Opera executive director Suzanne Rorick at Wednesday's board meeting:

Dear Cindy,

Thank you for your gift of $20,000.00 in sponsorship* of Susannah to Toledo Opera. We are extremely appreciative that you recognize the importance of live opera in the cultural life of the region and in your own life, and that you demonstrate this through your support.

The funds you have provided will help us continue the 57-year tradition of opera performance of the highest quality. Thank you for caring and believing in the work we are doing.

Very sincerely yours,

Suzanne G. Rorick, CFRE
Executive Director

* A small portion of the gift will be used to support Opera On Wheels.

'Susannah' Conductor Encourages Support of 'Brave, Exciting' Toledo Opera

Bob Mirakian (center) conducts the Toledo Symphony Orchestra on stage
as character Olin Blitch preaches to the congregation in Toledo Opera's
February 2015 production of 'Susannah.' (Photo courtesy of Toledo Opera)

Bob Mirakian, following his exquisite direction of Toledo Opera's lauded production of "Susannah," recently issued the following missive to opera supporters in northwest Ohio.

Mirakian expresses pride in the people on stage and behind the curtain, remarks on this moment in his career, and encourages us to support that which has garnered such praise and offers back to the community in such amazing ways.

Sent Feb. 17, 2015:

[Mirakian includes an excerpt from The Blade's review, which you can read online here:]

"Performed before a full and supportive house in the Valentine Theatre, [Susannah] exemplified the best this company can deliver. ... [It] served as proof positive that the opera's strategic planning, artistic development, and pursuit of ever higher standards is really paying off."

Dear Friend of the Opera,

It was my honor to conduct Toledo Opera's production of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah this past weekend. Our production team, the Toledo Opera Chorus, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and our cast came together to create a compelling, innovative, and polished production that we were all personally proud of and thrilled to see so well received by audiences.

I have worked as a professional orchestra and opera conductor for more than a decade but this production was my first time working with the full resources of a professional opera company, representing a major milestone in my career and development. It was also an important production for our brilliant stage director Sean Cooper and our wonderful Susannah, Jennifer Goode Cooper, both artists of significant experience and ability who were given a new opportunity to share their talents.

If opera is to thrive, a commitment on the part of companies to identify and foster emerging talent, as Toledo Opera did with Susannah, is absolutely vital. It will not only ensure that the next generation of opera artists has a place to learn its craft and test its abilities but also that fresh ideas and perspectives will continue to invigorate opera as an art form.

Toledo Opera has made itself an important part of opera's future by continually seeking out the best ways of servings its community in the most financially responsible manner possible: dramatically improving its finances, developing excellent educational programs that serve more that 20,000 students each year, and expanding its season to three beautifully produced operas. It is currently one of the best regional companies in the country, and a cultural institution that Toledo rightly takes increasing pride in.

Opera, like all significant human endeavors, requires the support of a community that recognizes its value and nurtures its existence. Thank you for being a vital part of Toledo Opera's current and future success as part of that community. I hope you will continue your involvement through a gift of support for the brave, exciting, and successful company.

Sincerely,
Robert E. Mirakian
Conductor, Susannah

To make a donation to Toledo Opera online, visit its online form here.