Auction of Arias offers Opulent Desserts, Wine, and Opera Stars

          Rimrock Opera announces its second annual Auction of Arias Friday October 14, 2005 at 8 pm in the Billings Petroleum club on the 22^nd floor of the Sheraton Hotel.  Meet and mingle with the cast of Verdi’s La Traviata over sumptuous desserts, wines, and other delights, framed with Billings’ best view of the city and the rims.

          Highlighting the evening is the Auction. Guests bid on an opera aria, duet, ensemble or chorus from the Menu of Arias. The winning bidders’ choices are performed, comprising a sparkling program of entertainment.

La Traviata soloists, Christina Major, Joseph Muir, Jan Michael Kliewer, Dennis Rupp, Sarah Hessler and Brianne Roney, will perform with other Montana artists, Nancy Downing, Karen Evanson, Heidi Rae Kalina, Amy Logan, Elizabeth Meyer, Kevin Schweigert, Bret Weston, and Rimrock Opera staff accompanist Sandi Rabas. It is rumoured that Douglas Nagel will reprise a crowd favorite, Old Man River.

          “Last year was our first time to do this and we all had such a great time,” said Lucinda Butler, president of Rimrock Opera’s Board of Directors. “It’s a lovely evening -- time to get dressed up, sample lovely desserts and wine, and be treated to fabulous music.”

          Tickets are $25 per person and may be reserved by phoning Jan Fluitt-Dupuy at 671-2214. All guests are welcome to dine before the Auction event in the Billings Petroleum Club. Please make reservations at 252-6702 and mention Rimrock Opera.

          Rimrock Opera’s fall opera production of La Traviata will be performed Friday October 28 and Sunday October 30, 2005 at the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, Montana.  Call 256-6052 for tickets. For more information about the panel discussion and other Rimrock Opera events, call 671-2214  or visit www.rimrockopera.org.