The folks at the El Paso Opera are keeping plenty busy, even though they don't have another concert until September.
Speaking of which, their second annual "Opera for All!" concert and next year's production of "Madama Butterfly" comprise EPO's 2010-2011 season.
Season tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 15.
They''ll be priced at $37.35, $45.65, $53.95, $66.40, $78.85, $91.30 and $95.45 through June 30. Not a bad deal. They'll go up 17 percent July 1.
"Opera for All!" is being expanded to two performances Sept. 10-11, and will be a 9/11 tribute.
"Madama Butterfly" is a new production and will be the opera company's first full opera production in two years. Performances will be March 10, 12 and 13, 2011.
All performances will be in the Plaza Theatre, since the opera's usual home, the Chavez Theatre, is tentatively slated to undergo renovation in January.
Subscriber sales have been brisk so far, says EPO GM and Artistic Director David Grabarkewitz, the New York City Opera resident director who took over the reins last year.
Grabarkewitz's birthday, btw, will be celebrated at the EPO's May 13 BRAVO! Alliance mixer from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Nofish, 2603 N. Mesa.
David won't say how old he'll be ("It's not a big one," he says), but he did say his actual birthday is May 19!
Happy birthday either way, old man (I can say that ... I'm 52!).
And one last thing: EPO's Shop Opera program, in which local retailers donate a portion of their proceeds to the company, will return next month. DeFranco Designs, 500 N. Oregon, will donate 15 percent of its sales in May to the opera group. It's hosting wine-and-cheese receptions from 4:30-7 p.m. May 5-6.
Call 581.5534 or go to epopera.org for more info.

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