Long Beach Opera (LBO) continues its popular new series of fundraisers called “UnGalas” at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 with “Dream Variation” at the California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., in Exposition Park. The celebration features performances of works by composers of African descent throughout history, performed by some of opera’s most exciting Black artists of today, followed by pairings of upscale comfort foods and fine wines.
“Dream Variation” will present works beginning as early as 1745 with Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and continuing through the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries with composers like Margaret Bonds, Anthony Davis, William Grant Still, and Moses Hogan.
Performers will include soprano Tiffany Townsend; mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis; tenor Nathan Granner; bass-baritone Derrell Acon; pianist Leonard Hayes; the KRÖMA Quartet; neo-funk band Zaya and Company; and rap artist MC Supernatural.
The program will explore the expression of the Black experience from musicians in other centuries compared with those of today by pairing classical pieces with poetry, hip-hop, and soul selections from this century that reflect similar themes and emotional content. Following the program, attendees will enjoy a live set of soul and R&B tunes by local singer/songwriter Isaiah Walker.
Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased either by calling the LBO Box Office at (562) 470.SING (7464) or by going online to www.LongBeachOpera.org/ungalas.
