Arizona Opera Raises $220,000 at Luncheon Gala

By Karen Werner

Where does a Rhinemaiden, a giant, and two adorable Nibelungen greet guests? Arizona Opera’s Luncheon on the Rhine.

The 2018 luncheon gala took place on March 17 at the Omni Montelucia Resort & Spa. More than 250 guests sipped aperitifs on the lawn before going inside to enjoy a seated luncheon of German favorites such as red cabbage, spaetzle and schnitzel — a nod to Arizona Opera’s spring production of Das Rheingold.

The event was chaired by Shoshana B. Tancer and Jo Kuchai Pulvermacher, and in recognition of extraordinary support to Arizona Opera, Joseph Specter, president and general director, presented Crystal Key Awards to Roma B. Wittcoff of Phoenix; Marlys A. Beider of Tucson; and OPERA America of New York City.

The afternoon included an auction of incredible items such as 3-carat diamond pavé earrings, a 9-day Rhine river cruise, and a delectable four-course meal prepared in the home of Arizona Opera president Joseph Specter and his wife, Kate, along with an intimate recital of opera arias, duets and stories.

The program concluded with live performances by the internationally acclaimed baritone Richard Paul Fink, along with the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio artists.

This delightful afternoon of music and dining raised $220,000 in support of Arizona Opera.

azopera.org