The Dallas Opera launches its “Pursuits of Passion” season Friday with a glamorous gala event and the opening-night production of Guiseppe Verdi’s hugely popular romantic drama, Aida. The opera centers on the tribulations of a young Ethiopian princess enslaved by Egyptians who falls in love with her captor. She’s then torn between romance and love of country and family. The production is extravagant and, despite being set in ancient Egypt, includes automated sets at the Winspear Opera House for the first time. The opening-night soiree is a black-tie fundraising affair with tickets going for $500 a pop. A red carpet with celebrity models from the sports world wearing specially designed gowns begins an evening that also includes a cocktail reception and late-night fine dining in a lavishly decorated tent, although everyone is allowed to pop over and check out the red-carpet arrivals. The Winspear Opera House is located at 2403 Flora St. in the Arts District. More information is available at dallasopera.org. Aida runs on six select dates through November 11.
Fri., Oct. 26, 2012