Grand Opera at its Grandest: Bellini's Norma (photo: Claudio Silva Aravena)

As an art form, opera is full of passion that on the surface may seem blatant and unsubtle, but there is a huge amount of subtlety and nuance within. I think that is often the case with wine as well, so it's a special pleasure for me to employ a wine tasting as a way of sharing some interesting facets of opera in an informal pre-performance program in the Intermezzo Lounge of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts just before Florida Grand Opera mounts its production of Bellini's Norma on February 11 and February 13.

The pre-concert talk is part of a limited availability package called "Amore with Norma," offered by the Fort Lauderdale Arts & Entertainment District in cooperation with Broward Center and Florida Grand Opera. The full evening program includes my talk at 7pm as well as an earlier talk about composer Vincenzo Bellini and his favorite opera by the FGO's terrific presenter Justin Moss at 6:30. In addition you have access to Intermezzo Lounge both for my talk and during intermission including drinks, appetizers and dessert plus tickets to the opera performances all bundled together at a great discount. This is a wonderful way to make a complete evening with the FGO production of one of the opera world's most enjoyable productions.

Giancarlo Monsalve as Polione in the FGO production of "Norma"

To quote the Broward Center, "This very limited offer is nearly 30 percent off the normal retail cost, and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis." Packages start as low as $32 per person. Says Carmen Ackerman of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, “The ‘Amore with Norma’ package is a wonderful way for opera lovers and novices to enjoy a lovely night out, experience an internationally acclaimed production, and try some new wines and delicious appetizers – all at a greatly reduced rate.” In addition to the two wines in my tasting, there are other wines available at no charge in the Intermezzo Lounge, and top-shelf drinks are served for $5. The Intermezzo Lounge is open to guests who have purchased the package, beginning one hour prior to the performance and during intermission. 

In my opinion, this is one of the best ticket deals in town. To book, simply go to the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District website, www.riverwalkae.com and be sure to use the promo code Norma20 prior to selecting your seats