Light Up The Night: Operanation 2014

Neon art installations, snap bracelets and a flash mob. Let’s just say it wasn’t a typical night at the opera. And that’s exactly what the Canadian Opera Company had in mind. You see, Operanation is not only a fundraiser for the COC’s Ensemble Studio: the annual soiree also aims to draw new audiences to explore the operatic artform by crossing artistic genres. In other words: they throw North America’s largest opera party to attract Toronto’s arts patrons, stylish party-goers, foodies and music-lovers to the luminous affair. By infusing the night with culinary delights, opera-meets-modern-music performances and – what seemed to be – an endless flow of booze, they welcome over 1000 guests to the acclaimed opera house…

What began as a modest fundraiser over a decade ago, has grown into the must-attend event of the season (the COC has a reputation for putting on one of the best parties in town). This year’s theme: Light up the Night. With neon accents throughout the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, snap bracelets (designed by BEAUFILLE, MARKOO and KAELEN) and a performance by French dance-pop band Yelle, the night definitely had a 90s vibe. Bubbly and snap bracelets? That’s a first! And we loved it…

Inspired by COC’s production of The Barber of Seville, Spanish canapés were passed throughout the evening. We loved the Manchego cheese and fried artichokes with lemon aioli, but were disappointed by the churros (they were sadly cold and the chocolate sauce had solidified) and the paella (the rice was undercooked and too much broth resulted in a soupy dish). But, what was lost in food points was redeemed at the bar; there was a wide selection of bevvies to choose from (the Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whiskey was a big hit), the service was on point (I rarely spotted a line-up) and there was plenty of bubbly and vino circulating. Cheers to that!

The highlights of the night? Keith Cole’s Yacht Rawk Flash Mob which guests enthusiastically joined (think aerobics class in stilettos).

And Yelle’s energetic and quirky performance…

The lead singer, Julie Budet, had the audience dancing and clapping along within the first few minutes of their set. Side note: doesn’t she look like Jessica Paré (Megan Draper from Mad Men)?

We loved Yelle’s collaboration with the COC’s Ensemble Studio: it was a unique performance that perfectly gelled with the theme of the night.

All in all, the 11th annual gala was a huge success. Not only did they raise over $100,000 for the opera company’s Ensemble Studio, but there were definitely some converted opera fans by the end of the evening! If you haven’t checked out any COC productions, I highly recommend you do. And if you’re under 30, make sure to take advantage of their Opera Under 30 Program – tickets are only $22! They also have a free concert series for all ages that runs until June. Both are great opportunities to experience the world-class venue and talent firsthand.