New York City Opera, Right in Westhampton

The New York City Opera returns to the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for a third time on August 23 at 8:30 p.m. Presenting a glorious evening of their favorite works, this revered company is sure to be a great opera fix for those who opted to avoid Lincoln Center.

The idea to bring the NYCO to the WHBPAC stage was suggested by Emilie Corey, who sits on the boards of both the NYCO and the WHBPAC. "This creative alliance is good for both the NYCO and the WHBPAC," siad Clare Bisceglia, WHBPAC executive director. "The Opera has an opportunity to perform beyond city limits and the PAC has the privilege of presenting this venerable company right here on the East End!"

The performance will feature selections for both opera devotees and novices. "The NYCO 2008-09 Season Preview at the WHBPAC is a great introduction to Opera," said Jane Gullong, NYCO executive director. "This elegant, yet relaxed, performance will showcase the company's rising stars in recital, accompanied by a lively, and always insightful, narration by Maestro Jerry Steichen.

"Mr. Steichen introduces each aria with background information in a most charming and amusing way," added Gullong. The program will include selections from Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rigoletto, Pagliacci, Candide, The Pirates of Penzance, and Thaïs. And with the pitch perfect acoustics in the WHBPAC theatre, the voices of City opera singers will soar.

New York City Opera was founded in 1943 to provide financially accessible opera performances to a wide audience - opera that would reflect the company's commitment to innovative repertory choices and the development of American opera. The City Opera was dubbed "The People's Opera Company" and will always be a sanctuary for American Opera.

Funding for this performance is provided, in part, by Suffolk County under the auspices of the Office of Cultural Affairs, Steve Levy, county executive, and The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund.

Special Offering: $200 VIP Ticket includes Pre-Show Cocktail Hour, Gourmet Dinner & Wine. This private event is limited to 80 privileged guests. Call Cheryl Wheeler, 631-288-2350, extension 102 to make your reservation.

Tickets are $100, $85, and $60. Call 631-288-1500 or stop by 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, seven days a week, between 12 and 6 p.m., and later on show nights, or purchase tickets online at www.whbpac.org.

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