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Audiences on both nights of the sold-out celebration were also treated to post-show entertainment. On Friday, the Opera Premier, the main bay of The Crucible was filled with metal, glass, ceramic, and neon art. Bathed in soft red light, delicate glass bowls and cast metal jewelry vied for attention in a silent auction that included over fifteen works of art, goods, and services. Then guests gathered, giddy with opera and champagne, for a live auction of artwork contributed by members of The Crucible faculty and community. Proceeds went to The Crucible's ever-expanding arts instruction program and the contributing artists.
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The Premier also marked the unveiling of the new Crucible Collection of Contemporary Sculpture, an assembly of glass, metal, and stone works from notable artists Albert Paley, Bruce Beasley, Susan Kingsley and others. It includes a bronze sculpture from internationally renown artist Beverly Pepper that was cast during her visit to The Crucible last year. The pieces are available for bidding in an ongoing silent auction, which will be on extended exhibition at A New Leaf Gallery / Sculpturesite until its closing reception at the Oakland Museum on April 8th.
Audiences on Saturday night found the main bay equipped
with a stage and dj booth, where the 1,500 guests
indulged in post-operatic revelry featuring performances
from opera participants Mark Growden, Xeno, and
Ultra Gypsy, as well as Djun Djun. In between sets
the cast, crew, and audience mingled on the dance
floor to the funky ministrations of DJ Vordo. It
was a festive culmination to an unequivocally successful
event.
Said Michael Sturtz, "The Fire Opera cast and crew was by far the most hard-working, professional, and collaborative group that I have ever had the honor to work with."
Many are already whispering about future events, wondering what is next for The Crucible. After five years that have seen the number of courses grow from seven to over a hundred per session, and the square footage from six thousand to almost fifty thousand, the Fire Opera is certainly another sign of great things to come. One thing is for sure, after visiting The Crucible, opera will never be the same.
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