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The second and final Opera in the Vineyard of the summer is set to honor Erie Mills, the late artistic director of presenting company Livermore Valley Opera.
Scheduled for this Sunday (Aug. 16) at Garré Vineyard & Winery, the showcase follows what event chairwoman Barbara Lymberis said was a somber first Opera in the Vineyard in June, just days after Mills died. Both events support the nonprofit organization’s 35th season.
“The loss was devastating and still is. She was such a bright light for the company and she had so much influence over what we do in a positive and spectacular way,” Lymberis told the Pleasanton Weekly. “As much as we can, we want to highlight how important she was and will continue to be for the company.”
The showcase is set to kick off with vocal performances on stage and along the central sidewalk routed through the audience. The event proceeds with table-side performances for attendees who have purchased arias, duets and ensembles.
“People get upfront and personal with the singers and it’s an experience that not many people can have on a regular basis,” Lymberis said.
Reflecting on the showcase earlier in the summer, Lymberis said the late artistic director’s absensce was palpable.
“At the beginning of the event, we were especially sad because it was the first time, in a very long time, that she and her husband, Tom Rescigno, were going to be able to attend an Opera in the Vineyard,” Lymberis said.
Looking ahead to the event this weekend, Lymberis said the repertoire was selected with Mills in mind.
The lineup is set to include “Granada”, “Meadowlark” from “The Baker’s Wife” and pieces by Cole Porter and from “The Sound of Music”.
“We’ve tried to choose things that will highlight how excellent Erie was in her choice of performers for the company and repertoire for the company. It’s as if her presence and her fingerprints are all over the program,” Lymberis said.
The lineup of singers Sunday are soprano Avery Boettcher, mezzo-soprano Courtney Miller, tenor William Gorton, baritone Luis Orozco and pianist Varvara Milinder.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic to the showcase. Wines will be available for purchase.
Gates are set to open at 4 p.m., followed by the performance at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit livermorevalleyopera.com.
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