In anticipation of San Francisco Opera’s 2010 season, the Bravo! Club, a younger generation of opera lovers dedicated to building a new audience for the art, gathered to celebrate in style at the exclusive Kim Vo Salon in Union Square on August 19th, 2010.

Models styled by Kim Vo’s experts served tasty morsels of Peruvian ceviche and causa from La Mar, as well 250 different kinds of chocolate truffles from Cucina Testa Rossa. Two unique cocktails aptly named Aida and Amneris, after the leading ladies from the opera Aida, were forged by the cocktail chemists at The Craft from fresh ingredients like watermelon, cucumber and strawberries. Opera patrons also had their pick of fine wines from PlumpJack.

These festive Bravo! party goers had a lot to celebrate. On September 10th in addition to the opening night performance of Aida, they will attend the Bravo! Opera Gala, a black-tie event filled with cocktails and dinner at City Hall, the performance at War Memorial Opera House, followed by dancing and dessert.

For these eager opera lovers, Bravo! does what it can to keep them entertained with social events as they “Hurry up and wait!” for the season to begin. At the Gala Kick-Off Party a respected wardrobe stylist offered the group Gala fashion tips, encouraging women to experiment with open necklines and keep accessories simple and elegant. Excited raffle winners were treated to goodie bags full of signature hair care products from Kim Vo. At this Bravo! event the energy was certainly as festive as a round of applause!

In addition to parties that bring Bravo! members together in a warm social setting, the group also offers members educational experiences. As Gala Co-Chair Jane Burkhard explains, “We believe that the more you know about opera, the more you will enjoy performances, and of course we love to attend these evenings with good friends.” A recent excursion involved a trip to the Opera’s costume warehouse to admire as many as 17 individual opera costume collections, which are exchanged between opera companies to meet the demands of multiple operas and changes in cast.

As San Francisco Opera makes its final preparations for the performance, the Bravo! Co-Chairs, Anjelika Koulebakina and Burkhard, share that they are equally frantic preparing the perfect party for their club members. Red Carpet Bay Area will be on hand to celebrate all of San Francisco Opera’s Opening Night glitz and glamour on September 10^th. -- Miko Heidi Laube