Music of the Night

Oct. 5, 2014

Opera Festival Widens Its Scope on Third Anniversary

Phantoms on stage and a mysteriously masked audience; is it a Halloween party? In part, perhaps, but mostly it’s all about opera.

“Phantom Masks and Opera” is the third installment of the Traverse City Wine and Opera Festival, Oct. 10 at the City Opera House in Traverse City.

Years ago, friends, opera enthusiasts and downstaters-turned-locals Mario Tabone and Silvio “Tony” Ciccone teamed up to bring an evening of opera music to Detroit.

“We decided to have a fundraiser at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center,” says Tabone. “I asked Tony to supply the wine.” The program was so successful, the pair wanted to try it again, and this time it moved north. “He [Tony] said, ‘This is so good, you’ve got to do it in Traverse City,’” says Tabone.

In 2012 they did. Not only was it the first time the two had co-created an event in Traverse City, but there was another big first involved. Much to their surprise, they learned it was the first time there had ever been actual opera at the City Opera House.

The fact that the duo had no professional experience in either opera or event planning caused some trepidation about putting on a show.

“First, we were afraid no one would show up. Then we were afraid people wouldn’t like it. It was all in Italian,” says Tabone.

Despite their fears, it was a rousing success that led easily to an encore the following year and again in 2014. In fact, Tabone now believes part of the reason for its triumph is was the fact that the duo didn’t have the experience to understand that what they were doing was difficult.

“We’re farmers, growers. Traverse Symphony Orchestra people got a kick out of the fact that no professional [presenter] wanted to do it,” says Tabone.

Both Tabone and Ciccone grew up surrounded by opera music in their homes and naturally gravitated toward it as adults. “We happen to love opera. Both our parents listened to it,” Tabone says.

The first festival was a tribute to famed tenor Mario Lanza, while the 2013 event honored composer Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday.

This year, with some urging from their wives, the pair decided to switch from an exclusively opera program to into musical theatre via Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music from “Phantom of the Opera.” Yet, the two promise there will still be opera for the die-hards:

Rossini, Gounod, Donizetti and a reprise of some Verdi.

Performers include tenor Robert Doyle, sopranos Eva Evola and Karin White, mezzo-soprano Lisa Agazzi and baritone Dino Valle, all from Michigan’s Bellini Opera Theatre. These artists have performed for audiences in America, Canada and Europe, including performances for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. Pianist Martin Mandelbaum will provide accompaniment.

The performers will be in costume and, while it’s not a requirement, Tabone encourages members of the audience to do the same.

“Masks are optional for the audience,” he says.

Despite its relative newness, the event has become well known among opera aficionados and Tabone expects a lively crowd.

This includes people from downstate making the trek north and possibly some Hollywood friends of the twosome.

Following the 7pm show, there will be an afterglow across the street at Ecco, which will include catering by Opa! and a-meetand-greet with the performers. This includes Tabone and Ciccone.

“They get Tony and I up on stage at the end. The drinking song has become traditional,” Tabone says with a laugh.

Tickets start at $35. VIP tickets are $50 and include premier seating and the afterglow at Ecco. For tickets and more information, visit: www.CityOperaHouse.org.