On Thursday, January 12th the Palm Beach Opera presented its first Lunch and Learn at the National Croquet Center offering a look into “Madama Butterfly.” Lite bites were served during the curated music program with presentations and intimate performances created by the Palm Beach Opera. David Walker the General & Artistic Director welcomed guests while insights into the opera were provided by the Director of Artistic Administration James Barbato. “Madama Butterfly” excerpts were performed by Bailey Apprentice Artists Maria Vasilevskaya and Devin Eatmon, Benenson Young Artists Sejin Park and Merdiain Prall, and PBO principal coach and pianist Ksenia Leletkina.
“Through our curated Lunch & Learn programming, we are able to provide patrons with rich insight into our operas, meaningful performances from our resident artists, and a deeper understanding of the music,” said Walker. “This unique event offers audiences a chance to familiarize themselves with the opera and makes for an even more memorable experience at the theater.”
William Brown, Louise Cohen, Robert, and Julie Desnick, David and Joan Genser, Arlette Gordon, Judy, and Jerry Kaufman, Cathy Demain Mann, Ellis Jay Parker, Donna K., and John Raggio, David Valkema, PBO’s Director of Artistic Operations James Barbato, and PBO’s General & Artistic Director David Walker were all in attendance among others.
Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence, enriching the lives of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs, and training the next generation of opera stars. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main-stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.
Palm Beach Opera’s Education & Community Engagement programs bring live opera to our community, inspire a life-long interest in the arts, and present thoughtful, engaging experiences for learners of all ages. We invite each person to find his or her own connection to opera’s stories in order to explore the transformative world of opera. In a single season, Palm Beach Opera reaches more than 20,000 individuals through its interactive and impactful programming.
PBO’s 2023 Season includes performances of “Madama Butterfly” on Jan. 20-22, “Così fan tutte” on Feb. 24-26, and “Falstaff” on March 24-26 at the Kravis Center.
