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Naples, FL - Opera Naples, a local, not-for-profit opera company that stages world-class opera and chamber music experiences and hosts innovative educational programs, is pleased to announce that internationally acclaimed operatic baritone, Sherrill Milnes, will be the Honorary Chairman of their annual fundraising gala, “An Egyptian Fantasy”, to be held December 11, 2018 at 6:00 pm at the Club Pelican Bay. Sherrill Milnes is the foremost operatic baritone of his generation. Throughout his remarkable career, Milnes has sung over 650 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, where he was honored with sixteen new productions, seven opening nights, and ten national telecasts. As a leading artist in all of the world’s great opera houses, Milnes performed and recorded with the likes of Domingo, Pavarotti, Sutherland, Sills, Horne, Price, and Tebaldi. He is the winner of three Grammy Awards, and the most recorded American singer of his time. Driven by his dedication to make the vocal arts vibrant, vital and entertaining in today’s world, Milnes continues to give masterclasses, judge competitions, and mentor new generations of singers. The “An Egyptian Fantasy” gala is a principal source of support for Opera Naples and their signature fundraiser for the season. Funds raised at the gala allow them to sustain a permanent opera company that enriches the Southwest Florida community by presenting performances featuring internationally renowned soloists, and conducting educational outreach programs that nurture the region’s promising young talent. Each season, Opera Naples stages stellar productions that have earned critical and public acclaim, and steadily growing audiences. This year’s gala theme is held in conjunction with their staging at Artis-Naples this December, of Verdi’s opera Aida. Aida is an Egyptian epic of an explosive tale of forbidden love, power and loyalty amidst the sorrows of war. The Club Pelican Bay, which recently underwent a $27 million expansion, has been chosen to set the stage for the grand pageantry Aida is known for, making this year’s gala a must-do Naples social event. The gala includes cocktails, fine dining, operatic performances, a unique jewelry- themed silent auction as well as a spectacular live auction – all fit for the most discerning pharaoh. Throughout the evening, attendees will be treated to a myriad of unexpected and treasured experiences and a sneak peek to this season’s Aida performances. Milnes said, “In little more than a decade, Opera Naples has distinguished itself from many others by building a home of its own and creating an academy for emerging international stars. It has the promise of a regional, perhaps even national, identity. But it needs our support and encouragement to scale those heights. I hope the Southwest Florida community will join me in showing support of this outstanding young opera company we’re so fortunate to have in our midst, by attending the annual gala.” There are a variety of table and ticket options including the Pharaoh Table ($5,000), Royal Table ($3,500), Pharaoh Ticket ($500) and Royal Ticket ($350). Sponsors to date include Gulfshore Life and Crown Jewelers. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit OperaNaples.org/An-Egyptian-Fantasy or call 239) 963-9050. About Opera Naples: Located in the heart of Naples in Southwest Florida’s Collier County, Opera Naples is dedicated to presenting opera productions and concerts of the highest quality. An artistic powerhouse in an area known for its pristine beaches world-class dining, shopping, and art galleries, Opera Naples is a cultural gem in Southwest Florida. Opera Naples presents internationally renowned performers and directors while nurturing the region’s promising young talent. Each season, Opera Naples produces classic grand operas at Artis-Naples, as well as chamber opera and concerts at their permanent home, the Wang Opera Center. A staunch proponent of community service and educational outreach, the company has introduced opera to over 60,000 local area children since its inception and offers various programs, including Lee and Collier county in-school programs and performances, the Resident Artists Program and Summer Youth Program. Opera Naples Academy, now in its third season, with a faculty of revered opera luminaries, offers an immersive program of vocal instruction, lectures, and masterclasses to exceptional singers from all over the world. Opera Naples is led by internationally renowned Spanish conductor, Artistic Director Ramón Tebar, known for his musical versatility, compelling interpretations and orchestra building skills. Over the past decade, the company has earned local, regional and state government support. Opera Naples is located at the Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples, Florida, 34112. For more information, visit OperaNaples.org, call (239) 963-9050 or email info@OperaNaples.org. ####