By Frances Yakes
January 30, 2005

Dazzling excitement is swirling around the great metropolis of Abilene and the surrounding West Texas Big Country. Don't miss the event of the year and the exciting opportunity to experience the amazing operatic star cast, great drama and engaging intrigue as The Abilene Opera Association celebrates its 25th Anniversary in spectacular fashion with a brilliant Gala event and a superb opera.

A gala event was held last night that included a fine dining experience, operatic selections by the opera stars appearing in the production, and dancing to the music of the incomparable Johnny Bush, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame known as the ''Texas Troubadour.'' The event was truly a meeting of the cultures.

February promises to be a wonderful opportunity to present the opera, ''The Girl of the Golden West,'' by Giacomo Puccini. The audience will marvel at the wonderful spectacle of real live horses enhancing and validating the ambience of the West. Puccini's great desire was to touch the heart, and with this opera, he succeeds admirably.

This ''made for West Texas'' opera was selected appropriately to celebrate the legacy of the West Texas indomitable pioneer spirit. It appropriately depicts the unique West Texas spirit. The West Texas pioneer past established a solid love for the Big Country, by working the precious land and all the while embracing the diverse cultural heritage that was to become the present-day Abilene.

There will be three performances, Feb. 18, 20 and 22 at the historic Paramount Theatre. Among the nine named roles are Patricia Stevens, a renowned soprano from New York, who plays the lead character, Minnie; and internationally known tenor and Houston native Drew Slatton will perform the role of Minnie's lover. Abilene has a wealth of talent that can be favorably compared vocally to many artists at the national level. An Abilene favorite, William Parcher, will be returning to sing a title role, Sheriff Jack Rance. Conductor Denis Segond, from France, who made his 2004 AOA debut conducting ''Madama Butterfly,'' is returning. Producer/Artistic Director Jane Guitar, well-known performer from Abilene; and Stage Director Ron Luchsinger from New Hampshire, complete the staff.

AOA's professionally staged stellar productions have a decidedly positive financial impact on the city's economy. The rationale for hiring professional artists of national and international stature and reputation is that well-known names, in the opera world will attract visitors/audiences not only from Abilene, but from the surrounding area as well.

Additionally, a full orchestra composed of local and area-based professional musicians will play for all three performances. Resident and area-based male vocalists have successfully competed for placement in the chorus. They will experience on-stage performing opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them. The orchestra and chorus members are paid for their services.

Despite the absence of a paid administrative and production staff, AOA has successfully attained its high goals due to the ''labor of love'' efforts by the dedicated board members, devoted volunteers, supportive business and community leaders, as well as, personnel from the three colleges in Abilene. AOA is able to produce stellar productions, within a limited budget, because of this valuable and enthusiastic support. There are no paid employees.

Outreach efforts also include providing participation opportunities to audiences regardless of age, sex, handicap, ethnic, race or economic status, so that everyone will experience the wonderful world of opera. This classic art form has successfully endured throughout history. Today, it is considered a major force in quality entertainment nationally and lovingly embraced in Abilene and West Texas.

This enduring spectacular art form combines drama, comedy, dance, literature, visual effects and great vocal and orchestral music. The opera association salutes and invites the Big Country and West Texas to participate in these events designed to celebrate 25 years of producing stellar opera for the exquisite pleasure and enjoyment of the best audiences ever.

Frances Yakes is a member of the board of directors of the Abilene Opera Association.

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