Opera Coeur d'Alene is offering memberships for those who want to keep world class opera in the region, with the travelers and dollars such performances attract.

Coming off recent rave performances of "Faust" and "Carmen," the company will produce Verdi's "Rigoletto" this September, again featuring internationally celebrated artists. Thanks to year-round fundraising work, ticket prices are kept at a fraction of what they would cost for such shows any place else.

Membership is $50 per person, and a "household" membership of $90 covers the whole family. Members get early notice of ticket sales and events, and a special invitation to Opera Backstage where they can meet well-known artists and see the production coming together. They have their names listed in Opera Coeur d'Alene's main production program and are invited to participate in the Annual Meeting and election of officers.

Memberships provide seed money, which, through the efforts of the board of directors, is multiplied, not only into the main stage show each year, but to a season of events. "Opera on the Lake" July 14 features live opera music on a cruise boat tour of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene is the backdrop for "Opera On The Point," Aug. 25, a gala event that pairs stellar performances with fine local cuisine.

Taking live opera to regional elementary schools every year, Opera Coeur d'Alene's "Opera-tunities" program will produce The Toy Shop, featuring young professionals in a program tailor-made for children and learning in our schools. Other events such as free concerts in the plaza make the deep textures and emotions of opera available to everyone and add to the excitement of living in Coeur d'Alene.

The company's General Director, Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, himself an active singer and director whose performances include New York's Metropolitan Opera, the board and all the volunteers invite you to sign up. Visit operacda.com or phone (800) 418-1485. Email info@operacda.com or snail mail P.O. Box 3106, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816.