Gala Live & Silent Auction
On February 2nd, Seattle Opera is excited to host a live and silent auction as part of our glamorous black-tie Gala, Soirée des Étoiles, held at the Four Seasons in downtown Seattle. The highly selective lots offered at this auction will excite even the most discriminating bidder. The auctions boast opportunities to join onstage with Seattle Opera in live performances, vacation getaways, unique wine tasting experiences, in-home concerts with Seattle Opera talent, spa treatments, fine dining excursions, and much more. Check back for updates while we continue to add auction listings as packages are finalized. We look forward to seeing you there!
Seattle Opera would like to extend its deepest thanks to the many businesses and individuals who generously donated to the auction.
ABSENTEE BIDDING
Place a bid on your lot of choice by contacting Megan Janning before February 2 at 206.676.5535 or megan.janning@seattleopera.org. Simply provide your credit card information plus minimum and maximum bids and we'll ensure you don't miss out on the fun!
Live Auction Lots
Inside the World of Stage Management
Learn the ins and outs of calling a show with Stage Manager Yasmine Kiss (pictured left). Enjoy lunch for two with Yasmine and sit backstage with her on headset during a live performance of La Bohème!
(Photo Credit - Alan Alabastro)
Donated by: Seattle Opera
Starting bid: $5,000
Centerstage in La Bohème
One lucky winner will be a supernumerary in the Café Momus scene of La Bohème, experiencing the full energy of the orchestra and chorus, and thrill of being on stage during a live performance. The winner will experience a costume fitting, attend the piano dress rehearsal on the evening of Sunday, February 17, and final orchestra dress rehearsal on Wednesday, February 20 or Thursday, February 21. The performance date excludes opening weekend and will be mutually agreed upon.
(Photo Credit - Bill Mohn)
Donated by: Seattle Opera
Starting bid: $10,000
La Bohème, Under the Baton
Two guests enjoy an exclusive behind the scenes look at the work of the Maestro and orchestra. The winner and guest will experience an orchestra reading session (Wednesday, February 13 or Friday, February 15), and sit in the pit for an orchestra dress rehearsal (Wednesday, February 20 or Thursday, February 21) and one performance. Watch Maestro Carlo Montanaro in action, as he leads Puccini's beloved masterpiece La Bohème!
(Photo Credit - Rozarii Lynch)
Donated by: Seattle Opera
Starting bid: $5,000
Private evening with Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman and Lark's Jonathan Sundstrom
Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman pairs with Award-winning Seattle chef of Lark, Jonathan Sundstrom for a private dinner for ten in your home, in which you and your friends will taste delicious creations paired with samplings of Justin Isosceles wine and other wines like Justification, Savant, and Tempranillo, introduced by Joseph Spellman himself. An additional three bottle vertical of Justin Isosceles: '07, '08, '09 and a signed copy of Sundstrom's new cookbook will go home the with the winner night of gala.
Donated by: Donated by: Lark, Lisa Bury, and Joseph Spellman, Master Sommelier
Starting bid: $2,500
Wine and Song in the Windy City
Two main floor, section one tickets to a Lyric Opera of Chicago 2012/13 or 2013/14 performance and dinner with wine pairings at Tony Priolo's award-winning restaurant, Piccolo Sogno. The winner will attend a VIP Fine & Rare Wine Auction at Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., a one-year subscription to Hart Davis Hart's auction catalogs, private VIP wine tasting and a complimentary buffet lunch for two at the highly acclaimed Tru restaurant during the auction. Two-night hotel stay included. Available auction dates are March 23, 2013, October 26, 2013, and December 7, 2013.
(Photo Credit - Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago)
Donated by: Lisa Bury, Piccolo Sogno Restaurant, Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.
Starting bid: $2,500
What do the numbers 5-9-7 have in common? That's the total score for these six vintages of Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. That's right: 100 pts + 99 pts. + 100 pts. + 99 pts. + 100 pts. + 99 pts. Quilceda Creek has had more 100 point wines than any other winery in the world. Cult status doesn't do this wine justice - how about utopian?
Donated by: Jonathan and Patricia Caves
Starting bid: $1,000
Sunday Afternoon Concert with Ring star
Enjoy a leisurely and intimate Sunday afternoon of arias, gourmet cuisine, paired beverages, and elegant surroundings. Trustee Jan Condit invites you and up to 25 guests to her distinctive Seattle home for a chamber-style performance by a Ring artist, personally selected by General Director Speight Jenkins with piano accompaniment on a Sunday afternoon in August. Fellow Trustee John Starbard will provide a delicious buffet following the concert, providing the perfect fuel for discussing the performance, catching up with friends, and enjoying rare roses in the sunny garden. Dates will be mutually agreed upon, depending on performance schedule and availability of all involved.
(Photo credit - Rozarii Lynch)
Donated by: Seattle Opera, Jan Condit, and John Starbard
Starting bid: $5,000
Opera Getaway in San Francisco
Enjoy a two night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons San Francisco, opening night tickets for San Francisco Opera's Merola Opera Program's The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten, and dinner with director Peter Kazaras. You will enjoy a sumptuous lunch for two at Tyler Florence's highly acclaimed Wayfare Tavern with Vinfolio's Executive Wine Specialist Catherine Stefani. Catherine will guide you through a mini-tasting of Vinfolio's wines as you enjoy Wayfare Tavern's innovatively rustic American cuisine. You will go home with three Black Tickets from Vinfolio - your exclusive portal into three incredible bottles.
Donated by: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Peter Kazaras, Merola Opera Program, Vinfolio.
(Photo Credit - Bill Mohn)
Starting bid: $1,000
Silent Auction Lots
Opera Costumes: Getting into Character
Ever imagine yourself as the Valkyrie Brünhilde or the fearless Siegfried? The winner and a guest will spend a morning with Seattle Opera Costume Shop Manager Susan Davis and the Costume Shop staff trying on select opera costumes. Then, enjoy lunch with Susan. A photographer will catch your best operatic close-ups!
(Photo Credit - Elise Bakketun)
Donated by: Seattle Opera
Minimum bid: $1,000
One of the most famous estate domains in all of France let alone the Rhone; Chateauneuf du Pape - when the papcy resided in Avignon, these are the wines that placed them closer to God. A full case of wine (12 btls 750ml) in one bottle. Save The Date for 2020 and Beyond when this wine will be ready to take you as close to heaven as life can!
Donated by: Richard and Mary Beth Gemperle
(Photo Credit - Alan Alabastro)
Minimum bid: $1,000
Take Me Away to Tacoma!
Spend a day and night in Tacoma, complete with a private tour of Tacoma Art Museum and lunch for four with Museum director Stephanie Stebich, plus event tickets to "Best of the Northwest Celebration", four complimentary admissions to the Second City Chamber Series performing in Tacoma at the Great Hall of Annie Wright School and its summer home, the Lakewold Garden. This package includes a stop by SAVI day spa for a side-by-side pedicure for two, an overnight stay at the Marriott Courtyard-Tacoma, complimentary breakfast for two, and a year-long dual/family membership at the Museum of Glass and two tickets to a Tacoma Symphony concert.
Donated by: Tacoma Museum of Glass, Courtyard-Tacoma Downtown, SAVI Day Spa, Tacoma Art Museum, Second City Chamber Series, and Tacoma Symphony.
(Photos Courtesy of Museum of Glass)
Minimum bid: $500
Oysters and bubbles
Treat yourself to four dozen freshly farmed Quilcene Oysters delivered to your home fresh from Chris and Carolyn Eagan's oyster beds on Hood Canal, plus a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne. Available Spring or Fall 2013.
Donated by: Chris and Carolyn Eagan
Minimum bid: $250
Altura
Enjoy dinner for four at Seattle Met's "Restaurant of the Year" featuring cuisine by Chef Nathan Lockwood. Beverages and gratuity not included.
Donated by: Altura Restaurant
Minimum bid: $250
Private Champagne Tasting
Entertain twelve of your friends with a private champagne tasting at Bryan Maletis's Fat Cork Queen Anne Champagne Warehouse.
Donated by: Fat Cork
(Photo Credit - Kate Watkins)
Minimum bid: $200
Private Operatic Concert
Enjoy a customizable private concert of your favorite baritone arias and songs with former Seattle Opera Young Artist David Krohn, in the beautiful West Queen Anne home of chorus member Neil Jordan. Take in the views of the Olympic Mountains, watch the sunset with up to twenty of your friends, and enjoy your favorite music, performed live for your selective audience. Date to be mutually agreed upon.
Donated by: David Krohn, Neil Jordan
(Photo Credit - Alex Irvin)
Minimum bid: $500
Two-night Orcas Island Getaway
Spend your weekend on Orcas Island in a waterfront guest house on a 148-acre nature preserve, complete with hot tub, hiking, crabbing (in season) and fresh mussels on minus tide days. Dates to be arranged with owner. Sleeps six.
Donated by: Laura and Roy Lundgren
Minimum bid: $400
Syrah ready to drink
Enjoy six Washington Syrahs straight from the cellars of the Seattle Wine Awards and right to your table. Ready to open, ready to drink, ready to buy!
• 2004 Basel Cellars Syrah
• 2004 Bergevin Lane Syrah
• 2004 Lake Chelane Reserve Syrah
• 2004 Glen Fiona Syrah
• 2004 JM Cellars Syrah
• 2005 Basel Cellars Syrah
Donated by: Seattle Wine Awards
Minimum bid: $100
Syrah vintage to age
Take home these 6 bottles of Washington Syrah and savor the sexy flavor of macerated dark purple and blue fruits, black pepper, savory spice, fresh herb and light toasty oak. Well-seasoned, well kept and well worth it.
• 2006 Cougar Crest Estate Syrah
• 2007 Doyenne AIX Syrah
• 2007 Upland Estates Syrah
• 2007 Zerba Cellars Syrah
• 2008 William Church Winery Syrah
• 2008 Laurelhurst Cellars Syrah
Donated by: Seattle Wine Awards
Minimum bid: $100
From the first family of Walla Walla wines and the first winery in Walla Walla...The Figgins Family and their iconic wines brought the eyes of the world to little 'ole Walla Walla, Washington. Once you taste the BEST, you'll figure out the rest.
Donated by: Jim and Gretchen Faulstich and an Anonymous Donor.
(Photo Credit - Leonetti Cellar)
Minimum bid: $300
La Toscanella
Owners Enrico Ambrosetti and Teresa Elizabeth invite you and three friends for a regional dinner in March, or April 2013 at La Toscanella, their new restaurant in South Lake Union that the Stranger recently hailed as "perfect!"
Donated by: La Toscanella Bakery
Minimum bid: $75
Lake Chelan Weekend Getaway
Enjoy magnificent views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains from this spacious 3rd floor condo. This 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms 1,000 square foot unit in complete with a cozy fireplace, hot tub, heated swimming pool, and is located just 100 yards away from Lake Chelan. Also includes a wine and cheese basket, courtesy of C.R. Sandidge Wines (2 bottles of Triumph) and assorted cheeses from the Fromaggio Cheese Store of Chelan, delivered to the condo at the time of occupancy.
Donated by: Ron Hosogi, C.R. Sandidne Wines, Formaggio Cheese Store of Chelan
Minimum bid: $500
Luc Restaurant
$100 Gift Certificate to Luc, Thierry Rautureau's award-winning French-American restaurant.
Donated by: Luc Restaurant
Minimum bid: $50
Case of wine containing:
• 2 bottles of 2011 Chateau Tuilerie Pages - From Bordeaux France, this white is Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend. This is an attractive herbaceous wine that's light and tangy. It's gooseberry character dominated, lending acidity and a lively, crisp finish. It's great to serve with your favorite fish dishes.
• 4 bottles of 2010 Alpha Loire "Domaine de la croix bouquie" - This 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Loire Valley. Great fruit with a touch of minerality. They practice sustainable farming techniques and will be certified "Terra Vitis" by the end of this year. It is the perfect accompaniment to goat cheese or shellfish.
• 3 bottles of JK estates Pinot Noir 2008 - Winemaker Mark Gendron is dedicated to creating soft, found luscious wines. His Pinot Noir is cherry red with flavors of earth, leather, vanilla, and jam like raspberry, strawberry, and plum. Light and round in flavor an afternoon sipper or pair with lighter beef and pasta dishes along with lamb.
• 3 bottles of 2007 Noir 24 Malbec - A modern style red from the birthplace of Malbec. Dark purple in color, this "black wine" is a great accompaniment to lamb, game, and heartier fall dishes. It is also great for short term cellaring.
Donated by: Linda and Bob Polenzani, parents of Tenor Matthew Polenzani who appeared as Ferrando in Seattle Opera's most recent production of Cosi fan tutte.
Minimum bid: $100
Getaway home in Wales
One week of R&R in a beautiful stone and slate cottage on the coast of West Wales, built some time before 1860 for a sea captain. "Bryn Haf" is in the tiny village of Tresaith, seven miles from the town of Cardigan. It sleeps seven and has a fully-equipped kitchen and 5,000 books for your reading pleasure!
Donated by: Maryanne Tagney-Jones and David Jones
Minimum bid: $1,000
Viva Verdi!
Two premium tickets to Seattle Opera's Young Artists Program performance, Viva Verdi, on April 6th. Includes prime performance seating plus admittance to private reception.
Donated by: Seattle Opera
(Photo Credit - Alan Alabastro)
Minimum bid: $100
Dinner for four at five-diamond The Herbfarm
Enjoy a heavenly nine-course dinner with Director of Development Lisa Bury and Seattle Opera favorite Patrick Carfizzi, most recently heard as Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola, at the world-famous Herbfarm in Woodinville.
Donated by: The Herbfarm, Gail Caldwell
Minimum bid: $1,000
Kongsgaard Winery
Enjoy a romantic getaway in Napa Valley! Stay in Martha Kongsgaard's beautiful Napa home, surrounded by vineyards, and drink her award-winning wine. Eric Isamov of the New York Times wrote "Kongsgaard consistently makes the best Chardonnay in California today."
Donated by: Peter Goldman and Martha Jane Kongsgaard
Minimum bid: $500
Hands-on Cooking Lesson
Pie Crust and Pâte Sucrée class for four in your own kitchen, using your own equipment, from Cordon Bleu Pastry Chef Margaret Rothchild. You will make a meat pie and fruit tart. Add a salad and a glass of wine to enjoy the meal!
Donated by Margaret Rothchild
Minimum bid: $200
Wine and Cheese tasting at the Perry Polson House
You and up to nine other guests will join Seattle Opera trustee, Ken Willman, and his wife Rosemary at their home (the historic Perry Polson House on Queen Anne Hill) for a tasting of wines and cheeses from around the world with the city and Sound as your backdrop. Wines will include whites from France and the US, red Bordeaux from the '80s and '90s, Opus One, d'Arenberg, Corliss Estates and vintage Port. The wines will be paired with a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from The Cheese Cellar and breads straight from Rosemary's kitchen.
Donated by: Ken and Rosemary Willman
Minimum bid: $750
Domaine Serene wines
Four Bottles of Domaine Serene wines, including a bottle of the very rare 2008 Couer Blanc, and a bottle each of the 2009 single-vineyard Fleur de Lis, Jerusalem Hill and Winery Hill.
Donated by: Kim Anderson
Minimum bid: $175
Bordeaux - Part One
Yes, you can go back in time! Enjoy these two stellar red Bordeaux blends aged in a private cellar and now yours for the taking. Truly a pair of vintage greats from the Left Bank.
Chateau Chasse-Spleen Moulis en Medoc 1989 - drink now to 2015
Chateau Lafon-Rochet - Grand Cru Classé - Saint Estephe 1989 - drink now to 2015
Donated by: Darci Swanson and Robert Sinclair
Minimum bid - $100
Bordeaux - Part Two
Two Saints And A Mistress! An affair to remember and forgiveness for sure. Baron Pichon Longueville had a mistress whom he kept in a Chateau across the street from Ch. Pichon Baron...La Comtesse de Lalande must have been a real beauty for such regal treatment. Ch. Phelan Segur has been one of the best-kept-secrets on the Left Bank and Pavie Decesse is one of the top Saint-Emilion wines from the Right Bank.
Chateau Phelan Segur - Saint-Estephe 1990 - drink now
Chateau Pavie Decesse - Grand Cru Classé - Saint-Emilion 1990 - drink now to 2015
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande - Grand Cru Classé - Pauillac 1990 - drink now to 2040
Donated by: Darci Swanson and Robert Sinclair
Minimum bid - $225
Five-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Seattle
Enjoy a five-night stay in a Deluxe King Room at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. Ideal for die-hard Ring fans who want to stay close to the action! Sleep more deeply than Brünhilde under Wotan's spell (but not on a rock!) and wake up more refreshed than the Götterdämmerung Siegfried. Hagen may or may not be on watch all night long.
Donated by: Grand Hyatt Seattle
Minimum bid: $500
Bainbridge Island Party for Six
Enjoy an unforgettable soirée for six at Laurel and Seattle Opera Board President John Nesholm's stunning Bainbridge Island home, complete with entertainment, fine wines and champagnes from the Nesholm cellar, and Cassoulet! Date to be mutually agreed upon.
Donated by: Laurel and John Nesholm
Minimum bid: $750
Oil & Vinegar Gift Basket
Gift basket from Oil & Vinegar Bellevue Square filled with a hand-crafted ceramic bottle of extra virgin olive oil, bruschetta, pasta, stuffed peppers, almost-stuffed olives, BBQ sauce, and a gift card for a $150 shopping experience at the shop in Bellevue.
Donated by: Oil & Vinegar
Minimum bid: $125
Welsh Serenade
The harp is regarded as the national instrument of Wales. Enjoy a thirty-minute program of Welsh folk songs with harp accompaniment, performed by Welsh Mezzo-Soprano Nerys Jones, including var lân y Mêr, Suo Gan, Dafydd y Garreg Wen, Y Deryn Pur, and more!
Donated by: Nerys Jones
Minimum bid: $150
Deadhorse Wine Rarities
Four bottles of Mark Ryan Winery's not-available-to-the-general-public Deadhorse Club selections, including a bottle each of the two 2009 Deadhorse Club Releases releases and a bottle each of the two 2010 Deadhorse Club releases. Plus, a certificate for a complimentary tasting for four at the brand-new Mark Ryan Winery Tasting Room in Woodinville, WA. Also included is a $25 gift certificate to be redeemed at the Mark Ryan Winery Tasting Room.
Donated by: Kim Anderson and Mark Ryan Winery
Minimum bid: $150
Chateau Gloria St. Julien 1982
G-L-O-R-I-A! One of the most celebrated "names" in Bordeaux and a gem of a find. Saint-Julien is known for structure and sophistication with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot dominating the cepage. This is a special find...and a special wine.
Donated by: Darci Swanson and Robert Sinclair
Minimum bid: $75
Sauternes - The Sweet Life!
La Dolce Vita ~ The Sweet Life. Honey, apricot, peach, pineapple, brittle and crème brûlée are the hall marks of fine Sauternes.
Chateau Guiraud 1er Cru Classé Sauternes 1988 - drink to 2026
Chateau Lamothe - Guignard - 2nd Cru Classé 1981
Donated by: Darci Swanson and Robert Sinclair
Minimum bid: $75
Sensational Ports
The wines that saved England! Port holds a highly respected place in the world of wine and in time. When England was at war with France, Portugal saved the day with these red wines that were fortified to make the long sea-voyage back to the King. Long live the King of Sweet Wines.
Warre's Vintage Port 1977 - drink now to 2020
Warre's Vintage Port - 1994 - drink now to 2024
Donated by: Darci Swanson and Robert Sinclair
Minimum bid: $100