OPERA COLORADO

Englewood

News: Maj. Dino Maniatis and his wife, Dr. Kristin Freestone, spent six months painstakingly paying attention to detail to make Opera Colorado’s annual fundraising gala a night where guests immersed themselves in the creativity and joie de vivre associated with France’s golden age, La Belle Epoque.

“All the nuances of producing this gala were a heavy lift,” Maniatis admitted, noting that he and his wife did their best to incorporate as many elements as possible into the event that raises approximately 25 percent of Opera Colorado’s operating budget.

“Dino spent the last six months putting his genius into this,” Freestone said, referring to table displays throughout the Ellie Caulkins Opera House that showcased some of the many wonders and innovations of La Belle Epoque (1871-1914).

It was during La Belle Epoque that Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize for her discovery of radium and polonium and later pioneered the use of mobile X-ray units in field hospitals during World War I. It also was when the Eiffel Tower was built, the Moulin Rouge had its start, and French composers like Georges Bizet, Camille Saint-Saens, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel produced exquisite symphonic and operatic works.

The evening began with representatives from four branches of the military escorting the 250 guests, including presenting sponsors Ken and Donna Barrow, down a red-carpet entry to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. There, they were greeted by waiters bearing flutes of chilled Champagne and trays of hors d’oeuvres, including bite-sized croque madame, Parmesan gougère, and seared tuna vierge.

Dinner in the Studio Loft followed. Between courses, coloratura soprano Sharleen Joynt, accompanied by pianist Nathan Salazar and the Artists in Residence, performed selections from operas that included La Boheme, Lakme’ and Die Fledermaus.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate joie de vivre and 41 years of grand opera in downtown Denver,” said board chair Richard Koseff as he introduced Greg Carpenter, Opera Colorado’s Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director, who is celebrating his 20th year with Opera Colorado.

“I’ve never been more proud of what we do and the incredible artistic integrity that we have,” Carpenter said.

After a live auction and paddle raise called by Maron Hindman, the party continued into the wee hours with a Moulin Rouge-themed après-fete in the Chambers Grant Salon.

About the organization: Since its founding in 1981, Opera Colorado has brought world-class operatic performances to the Rocky Mountain region and beyond through performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. The company is known for presenting new works, its nationally recognized Artist in Residence program, and reaching more than 45,000 students and adults through educational and community programs offered throughout the state.

Website: operacolorado.org

Have news or announcements for the Nonprofit Register? Email nonprofits@coloradopolitics.com and include a contact name and number if more information is needed.