Delight your senses and expand your love of opera with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ signature culinary concert series, Opera Tastings. Each venue offers a unique setting to explore the intersection of opera, food and drink, as artists perform great operatic excerpts, while guests sample food and drink pairings crafted by some of St. Louis’ most talented chefs, sommeliers and mixologists.
New to opera? Then, this is your scene! Think of it as a gathering for those seeking an extraordinary experience—it’s accessible, casual and cool, but most of all, it’s a delightfully fun way to spend an afternoon or evening in the company of friends (or soon-to-be friends).
This season’s Opera Tastings lineup of performers includes soprano Teresa Castillo, contralto Rehanna Thelwell, tenor Edward Graves, baritone Robert Mellon and pianist Timothy Cheung. Each one dazzles and delights, connecting with the audience with every heartfelt number. The electricity in the room will make your heart sing—we promise!
You might say Opera Tastings is the amuse-bouche of Opera Theatre’s much-anticipated 2019 Festival Season, which runs May 25 to June 30. One of Mozart’s most beloved masterpieces, “The Marriage of Figaro,” opens the season on May 25, followed by Verdi’s “Rigoletto” (June 1), Monteverdi’s “The Coronation of Poppea” (June 9), and the world premiere of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” by composer Terence Blanchard and librettist Kasi Lemmons (June 15).
There are plenty of other ways to make the most out of an Opera Theatre experience, including open-air dining prior to evening performances; free, pre-show previews; and a chance to meet and greet the cast for drinks after the show.
For more information, visit ExperienceOpera.Org
OPERA TASTINGS
March 31 to April 9
All-inclusive tickets, $25
ExperienceOpera.org/OperaTastings
The Venue at Maison du Lac
1 p.m., Sunday, March 31
2603 Wild Plum Valley
Catawissa, MO 63069
*eclectic, aria-inspired cuisine and wine pairings from Ces and Judy’s Catering
Catrina’s
7 p.m., Sunday, March 31
1027 Century Drive
Edwardsville, IL 62025
*artisan Mexican cuisine with a modern twist
Centene Center for the Arts: Rialto Ballroom
7 p.m., Monday, April 1
3547 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
*locally sourced, vegetarian-friendly traditional American food from Turn restaurant
Mandarin House Banquet Hall
7 p.m., Wednesday, April 3
8008 Olive Blvd.
University City, MO 63130
*authentic Chinese cuisine
Moulin Events: Jefferson Ballroom
7 p.m., Friday, April 5
2017 Chouteau Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
*inventive continental food and cocktails
Friends – A Meeting Place
2 p.m., Sunday, April 7
716 N. Compton Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
*undeniably good Italian food
Hofbräuhaus
7 p.m., Sunday, April 7
123 St. Eugene Drive
Belleville, IL 62223
*Bavarian dishes and fresh-brewed beers
Mad Art Gallery
7 p.m., Monday, April 8
2727 S. 12th St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
*featuring Tenacious Eats’ signature full-contact dining
Saint Louis Club
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 9
7701 Forsyth Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63105
*French cuisine from 32 top chefs, plus fresh spirits and fine wine
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