Two Great Events on the Same Night

Most of the time, the arts organizations in Polk County try hard not to schedule major events on top of each other. We know that we share many of the same patrons and visitors, and it hurts us all when we have a conflict. But it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes, we force you all to choose.

That’s what’s happening next Saturday night, January 24th. Polk Museum of Art and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra are both hosting great events, and both at the same time! Now you just have to decide what you like better: a wine tasting, or a night of opera!

Since I always talk about the Museum, I’ll start with what’s happening with ISO. A Night at the Opera: Don Giovanni will be held at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are $60 Gold, $40 Silver, $30 Bronze, and $20 Economy. Children and full-time students can get their tickets for half price!

This is a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which is considered one of the greatest operas ever written. My sister is a trained opera singer (no, she’s not in the performance), so while we were both in college, I was exposed to quite a bit of opera floating out of her bedroom. Mozart’s operas were always the most palatable to my untrained ear, and Don Giovanni certainly had some amazing arias.

Anyway, this performance is a fundraising benefit for ISO. Besides the opera itself, they’ve worked out a couple of great deals with local restaurants and hoteliers. You can get 20% off your bill at Mario’s with your ticket to the opera. Lakeland Yacht & Country Club members can enjoy a special 3-course meal prior to the performance. And the Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites is offering a special room rate for the evening also.

Tickets to A Night at the Opera: Don Giovanni can be purchased by calling ISO at 688-3743 x4 or by visiting their website.

If opera’s not your thing, then head over to PMoA for Drinkable Art: An “Exhibition” in Good Taste. This annual wine tasting, which is presented in partnership with Vintage Wine Cellars, will feature 30 wines by eight vintners. The idea behind Drinkable Art is that vintners are artists whose media is the grape. Each bottle of wine is an artistic creation. I understand that each vintner will have their own table and a representative on hand to talk about their work.

Vintage Wine Cellars will also be providing a variety of cheeses to sample, and Billy Needs a Beard will be entertaining everyone with their folksy musical sound. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and can be purchased by calling 863-688-7743 x238 or visiting the Museum’s website.

So there you have it! Two great events on one night, and at the same time. Take your pick! You’ll have a great evening either way.