Opera Las Vegas hosts fundraiser
Opera Las Vegas patrons and their guests gathered at the Four Seasons on Dec. 5 to enjoy a holiday luncheon, silent auction and an afternoon of musical entertainment.
After 10 years in operation, Opera Las Vegas (originally known as Southern Nevada Opera Association) is growing into a professional opera company for the Las Vegas Valley. Events such as this help raise funds to finance upcoming operatic productions.
Impresario director Sandra Frank and husband, James, who has served as the group's president for the past three years, greeted trustees, including Joyce Kessler, Leonard Gross, Lissie and Charles Nielsen, Chris Murray and Phyllis Haley.
Patrons and their guests participating in the silent auction were Betty and Ken Miller, Lisa and John Illia, Joan LeMere, Jerry McElroy, Stacie Rachelski, Billie West, Michael Derhake, Claire Oshima, Margie Conway, Barbara and David Green, Julia Hoffman, June Bramble and Alvida Lane.
Opera Las Vegas' vice president of marketing and public relations Hal West introduced the guest artists, soprano Lisa Eden and tenor Mark Thomsen. Eden has appeared as soloist with many companies and ensembles throughout the United States, including performances at the Kennedy Center and the embassies of France, the Netherlands and Monaco. Placido Domingo has named her an emerging talent.
Thomsen charmed with his voice and presence. He was the founder of Southern Nevada Opera Association 10 years ago.
They entertained with seasonal holiday selections and familiar opera arias with piano accompaniment by Marek Rachelski.
More guests enjoying the afternoon were Rosa and Allen Bell, Naomi Thomsen, Beverly Mykisen, Anita Murray, Marsha and Stan Pollack, Kathie and Ron Slaughter, Wanda and Bruce LaFollette, Sylvia Stone, Nina and Renata Sepulveda, Oliver Phillips, Jessie Peck, Linda and Gary Kowar, Nicole and Jack Fisher, Gracia and Stuart Friesma, Diane and Steve Clark, Bryna and Donald Barsky, Irene Albrecht, Kathleen Hunt, Gay Goldstein, Doris and Emery Robertson, Art Garnett, Carolyn Orzes, Rhoda and Raymond Ring, Judy Mirisch, Heidi Meyer, Bill McCarty, Debbie Linge, Phil Varrucchio, June McConnell, Marilyn Reilly, Carolyn Jones, Art Garnett, Marilyn Grosshans, Ray Conley, Gwen DenDooven, Joan Berry and Bernadette and Sig Stockinger.
