OperaArts Announces New Website

Local organization OperaArts, a non-profit arts organization consisting of a small consortium of community residents and opera aficionados, has a new Website and two upcoming artistic events.

Its goal is to present quality musical performances, with emphasis on Opera and operetta, accompanied by high quality visual arts and art experiences, to the Coachella Valley community, with emphasis on youth and senior citizens.

The organization changed its Website address from the old www.operaarts.org to the new www.operaartspalmsprings.org recently and have just posted its offerings for this coming season in the desert.

Palm Desert residents will want to save the dates on their calendars for two upcoming events:

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"For the Children"
Sponsored by OperaArts, the Steinway Society of Riverside County and the Auen Foundation.
The Classic Club, 75-200 Classic Club Dr., Palm Desert.

This is a fundraiser to support the music programs of the Steinway Society of Riverside County and OperaArts for the children of the Coachella Valley.

This concert will feature a Steinway Society Festival winner/ pianist and two OperaArts singers with OperaArts Music Director Victoria Kirsch in a 30-minute program of delightful musical offerings.

It will be followed by a sit-down dinner in Classic Club's fine restaurant, Bellatrix.

Excellence in education awards will be presented to Louisa Castrodale and Donna Jiaras.

A very special surprise by Palm Valley/Marywood students will accompany dessert. $125 per person, $1,000 per table of 8. Please call (760) 323-8353 for reservations and information.

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
"Festival of Opera & Art"
Civic Center Park, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive (Fred Waring and San Pablo Avenue), Palm Desert.

OperaArts and the City of Palm Desert will present the 3rd annual Festival of Opera and Art at the Civic Center Park Amphitheater in Palm Desert.

Favorite singers from a past festival, Raul Hernandez and Daniella Nuzzolli -- along with other great singers -- will present arias from favorite operas, classic Broadway and a melodic and beautiful operetta.

They will be accompanied by Maestro Gualtiero Negrini and his Festival orchestra. Well-known pianist Gale Enger will perform on the keyboard from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. The main concert will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. A multitude of supervised activities and entertainment await the children, including face painting, arts and crafts, goal soccer and interactive art activities presented by S.C.R.A.P. Gallery.

Artists in different genres will display their works. Bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas and enjoy an old-fashioned day in the park. Free to the public. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale from Big Mama's Soul Food and other vendors. For more information please call (760) 323-8353.