Hidden away in a somewhat rustic neighborhood in south Seattle is the most fabulous venue for an opera preview the writer of this article has ever come across! What was originally an enormous garage has been turned into a welcoming event space with all kinds of seating plus a stage and theater-style lighting. Although the attendance was good, even more than expected, at least two times the number of guests could have been easily accommodated. So those of you who didn’t attend—you really missed out and should consider coming next time!

SOG members and guests spent their time before the preview socializing and enjoying an Oktoberfest-themed dinner from a food cart parked just outside. And then came the music we were all waiting for, sung by three marvelous young singers: Hallie Schmidt, soprano, and first-place winner of SOG’s Singer Development Awards this past June; Myah Rose Padden, mezzo-soprano, who keeps busy as a member of the Seattle Opera Chorus and Opera on Tap, as well as being a regular host at KING-FM; and Robert McPherson, tenor, best known in the Seattle area as The Drunken Tenor.

The singers were accompanied by pianist Glenda Williams, who also presented the background and plot summary in a way that was both helpful and entertaining. Her accompaniment was superb.

Thanks to everyone who attended, especially SO General Director Christina Scheppelmann!