When Redmond resident Reham Abdelshahid first attended a fashion show hosted by the Seattle Opera five years ago, she knew nothing about libretto or musical score. In fact, she had stepped inside an opera house a total of one time in her life.
Still, her limited knowledge about opera didn’t stop her from enjoying herself at the Seattle social event where she mingled with other young people who shared a passion for opera and the arts.
“I was a little nervous going to the first event because I didn’t know a lot about opera, but once I was there everyone was so welcoming and it was really unique and fun event,” she explained.
Shortly after, she joined the organization’s BRAVO! Club, which is aimed at young people between the ages of 21 and 39. Its mission is to develop new generations of opera lovers in Seattle and the Eastside through educational and social events.
“I met a ton of new friends,” Abdelshahid recalled. She’s now a board member of the group.
For others, the friendships have become special.
Bravo! Club board member Paul Brown first heard about the BRAVO! organization while attending the opera in 2004. He went to one of the events and was hooked, drawn to the fun vibe of the social events, the shared interest in opera and a woman he would later make his wife.
“At the time, I was taking night classes and my future wife just happened to be in one of my classes. I didn’t have the nerve to talk to her, but then I saw her at a Bravo! event and I went up to her. We found out we had so much in common. We were married two years later,” he explained.
It’s not always love at first sight for everyone, but Brown said he has witnessed many successful couples that sprouted from Bravo! events.
“There are so many people at these events, all around the same age range, it’s just a great way to meet new people,” he explained.
One of Brown’s favorite events hosted by Bravo! is the Laser Opera night at Laser Dome at Seattle Center.
“It’s just an amazing experience with an awesome group of like-minded people,” he said. “What’s not to love?”
Last year alone, the club attracted more than 600 members and hosted 30 events throughout the Seattle Opera season.
“Bravo is such a great organization,” said Abdelshahid. “When you put a large group of young people together with similar interests in opera and the arts, you are bound to meet some amazing people and form strong bonds.”
Membership for the Seattle Opera Bravo! Club is $65 each year and includes discounted tickets to opera performances and invitations to monthly social events throughout the year, such as the annual Bravo! Costume Party in October. Members also enjoy complimentary wine and coffee in the Bravo! lounge during intermission on Bravo! nights and invitations to educational events all season long.
Social events are held all throughout Seattle as well as on the Eastside at venues like Tap House Grill, Lucky Strike Lanes and Bellevue Arts Museum.
“We help people learn about opera, and we also create a great environment for young men and women to come together to be social,” said BRAVO! Club President Andrea Bettger. “Our kickoff event will introduce new and returning members to each other, while previewing the exciting new 2010-11 opera season. People can come out and enjoy wine and free hors d’oeuvres, while getting a taste of the upcoming shows.”
The 2010-11 season will feature Tristan und Isolde, Lucia di Lammermoor, The Barber of Seville, Don Quixote, and The Magic Flute.
A Bravo! Club kick off event will take place on Tuesday, July 13 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Shilshole Bay Beach Club (6413 Seaview Ave. NW) in Seattle. The social event is free for Bravo! Club members and $10 for guests. To reserve a spot, call (206) 676-5553 or e-mail bravo@seattleopera.org.
Learn more about Seattle Opera at www.seattleopera.org.
