On Saturday, October 24, Opera Roanoke will celebrate forty years of live, professional opera in the Roanoke Valley and at the same time honor one of its most loyal supporters, Sheila Strauss, at their Ruby Anniversary Gala.
The dazzling event will be held at The Taubman Museum of Art and will feature fabulous cocktails and dinner, performances by the cast of “Sweeney Todd”, and a live auction conducted by Woltz & Associates, including ruby and diamond earrings from Fink’s Jewelers, week-long trips to Florida, the Outer Banks, and the Champagne region of France, a chef’s dinner for 8 from Billy’s, and many other fine items to tempt attendees.
Central to the proceedings will be a special recognition of Sheila Strauss, who has been a stalwart of the opera since its beginnings forty years ago as The Southwest Virginia Opera Company. Mrs. Strauss, though tiny, quiet, and sweet, wields enormous influence in the region through her tireless advocacy of many arts and cultural organizations, especially as they impact young people. Through her own notable philanthropy with her husband of 65 years Maury, which sets a high standard for the community, and by her gentle but persistent encouragement of others’ generosity, she has advanced and sustained Opera Roanoke and is as responsible as anyone for its continued health and presence in Roanoke.
Ticket sales are kept as reasonably priced as possible (starting at 25$, with free tickets available for students), and do not cover the cost of putting on a full opera (around $ 150,000). Therefore individual, corporate, government, and foundation donations and grants are crucial, and this gala is the primary fundraiser for the 2015-16 season, which comprises “Sweeney Todd” October 30 and November 1 and “La Traviata” April 8 & 10 , as well as several smaller productions throughout the year.
For information about the Ruby Anniversary Gala or the shows please call Linda Webb at (540) 224-1257.
