'The Night Sings' gala April 29

Opera Coeur d'Alene promises an elegant evening as "The Night Sings" at the annual gala event, 5-9 p.m. April 29 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The acclaimed, local, professional opera company plans to make it seem like the very night itself is making music as guests revel to internationally acclaimed voices, "up close and personal," over a unique menu designed by Resort Executive Chef, Ron Jessick, featuring foods inspired by Opera Coeur d'Alene's fall production of Bizet's "Carmen."

Soprano Dawn Marie Wolski, is the winner of the 2008 Zara Dolukhanova International Art Song Competition in Russia.

String music by her husband, renowned violinist Mateusz Wolski, will add a special grace. Wolski is concertmaster for the Spokane Symphony.

Heather Parker's alluring spirit was described by Opera News as "radiating glamour, both vocally and physically ..." Well known in Spokane for numerous principal opera roles as well as solos with the symphony, her career has reached from Jacksonville to Seattle, with leading roles in operas in Pensacola, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Annapolis and Houston.

Derrick Parker's international career as a bass/baritone includes symphony and opera houses from Anchorage to South Africa.

Emcee for the evening will be Verne Windham, arts director of KPBX, Spokane Public Radio.

Tickets are $100 and include food, wine, fellowship and music.

The event sold out last year, so the public is encouraged to call soon, at 765-3723.

Helena Vieira Kahler is the event chair.

"Donations of fine goods and services for the silent auction will not only get a donor's name before a very important audience, they will also contribute to Opera Coeur d'Alene's vision of making this city a national destination for fine arts performance," she said. "That is our ultimate goal, as we plan to expand to two world class operas in 2013, and even more in following years."

There will be a silent auction and dinner.

Information: Helena Vieira Kahler, 640-4700 or [email protected]