Opera Coeur d'Alene will open its season with Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado."

The live concert, billed as Opera on the Lake, will be performed Sunday at 5:30 p.m. during a sunset cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Food and wine will be available.

Tickets are $50 general admission and $65 for table seats.

With the hilarious comedy of Gilbert and Sullivan, "The Mikado" is one of the most successful of the British duo's collaborations and continues to this day to delight audiences around the world.

Mikado gives the audience and the performers alike the opportunity to view the exotic world of Japan through the lens of 19th century Britain. Limited exposure to Japanese culture makes for some very far-fetched notions and some downright ridiculous parody. In that parody, truly touching and hilarious moments arise and the "Topsy Turvy" of Gilbert and Sullivan works its magic again.

The cast includes many returning Opera Coeur d'Alene performers: Jadd Davis, Dawn Wolski, Kent Kimball, Susan Wyndham and Opera Coeur d'Alene's Artistic Director, Aaron St. Clair Nicholson. A few new voices will be introduced as well: Kalla Mort, Caitlin Cisler, Jay Bahny and Charles Ethridge.

Opera on the Lake, which sold out last year, is the first of Opera Coeur d'Alene's major events this season. All productions will be directed by Coeur d'Alene resident Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, a Metropolitan Opera artist who sang his debut there under the artistic direction of famed tenor Plcido Domingo.

Season tickets and tickets for individual events including Opera on the Lake may be purchased through www.operacda.com or by calling (800) 418-1485. Season ticket holders receive discounts on all season productions and early access to tickets.

Upcoming events

Opera Gala 2015

Sunday, Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m. featuring the cast of The Magic Flute at the Hagadone Event Center

Magic Flute

Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.

NIC Schuler Performing Arts Center located in Boswell Hall

Spokane

La Bohme

Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m.

LIVE at the Fox downtown Spokane

Eckart Preu, conductor

Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, stage director

Spokane Symphony Chorale

Soloists TBA by Opera Coeur d'Alene