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The gala • silent and live auction

Friday, November 10, 2023

As part of Cincinnati Opera’s largest fundraiser of the year, revelers will enjoy the chance to bid on luxurious and one-of-a-kind experiences in the live auction during dinner and featuring gala favorite Gene Steiner of Steiner Auctions, as well as the silent auction which runs 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Bids are only accepted at The Gala.

Please note only attendees of The Gala will be able to bid on items in this auction, live or otherwise. If you would like to join us at The Gala, tickets to Soiree with a View (after-party beginning at 9:30 p.m.) are available through Nov. 8.


live auction

Includes:

  • 7-day stay for 6 in Amiata Villa with daily housekeeping and concierge services

  • Complimentary breakfasts at Oreade

  • Access to all Monteverdi amenities, including restaurants & bars, spa, pool, art gallery, and gardens

Transportation not included.
Your trip must be booked by May 31, 2024 with a stay before May 31, 2025. This gift may not be used for stays in the months of June, July, September, or October.

Monteverdi Tuscany: A Luxurious Tuscan Getaway

Monteverdi Tuscany is a luxury boutique property located within a medieval hilltop village amidst sweeping views of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 2012 and open year-round, Monteverdi was created to be a gathering place for curious, creative people to connect and be inspired by their surroundings.

Amiata, the three-bedroom house, provides an unforgettable experience with generous private spaces to relax and entertain. Spaciously spread over three floors, this is the ideal place for friends and family to reconnect in your private serene home in a Tuscan village. Whether dining al fresco on the terrace under the Italian stars or reading and reflecting in the private garden or enjoying the sun deck at Monteverdi's infinity pool just a few steps from the front door, Amiata combines comfortable group gathering spaces, combined with three peacefully private suites for rest and relaxation.

Value: $22,000
TBD Starting Bid: $10,000
TBD Bid Increment: $1000

Donated by Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe

 

Includes:

  • Oil portrait of head and shoulders in clothing sitter chooses

  • At least one in-person consultation with discussion about lighting, schedule, and if moving forward with live sittings or use of a photograph

  • 18x24” canvas

  • To begin in August 2024

Commissioned Oil Portrait by Emil Robinson

Embrace the chance to immortalize your essence and legacy in a timeless work of art. Smithsonian-commended portraitist Emil Robinson awaits to craft a personalized oil portrait that will capture the essence of who you are.

This is your exclusive opportunity to commission an oil portrait by Emil Robinson, renowned for his remarkable talent in capturing the depth and spirit of his subjects. Your custom portrait will feature head and shoulders, created on an 18x24-inch canvas, ensuring a stunning representation of your individuality and presence.

Value: $5350
TBD Starting Bid: $3000
TBD Bid Increment: $500

A portion of the proceeds from this item will cover time and materials. Cincinnati Opera is proud to support the arts and artists of the Cincinnati community.

Donated by Emil Robinson

 
 

Season Kickoff: Cincinnati Opera's Exclusive Penthaus Party

Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 2, 2024, to be a part of the most exclusive party of the season, high in the sky at The Streitmann Center Penthaus. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with breathtaking views, delectable bites, drinks, and delightful company.

Raise a glass with fellow opera enthusiasts surrounded by stunning views of Over-the-Rhine and downtown and toast to a fantastic summer ahead. Enjoy exclusive performances by artists from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival as you savor delectable light bites expertly crafted by Jeff Thomas Catering and eat well celebrations and feasts.

$100 per person; 125-person limit

Donated by Peg and Jack Wyant, Jeff Thomas Catering, and eat well celebrations and feasts

 

SILENT AUCTION

 

Includes:

  • Four (4) front row Center Court tickets

  • Two (2) preferred South Lot parking passes

Front-Row Tennis Thrills: 2024 Western & Southern Open Experience

Get ready to serve up some exhilarating action in August 2024 with an unmatched tennis experience at the Western & Southern Open!

Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding intensity of world-class tennis from Center Court box seats! Settle into the front row and enjoy an unobstructed view of every serve, volley, and smash as elite athletes battle it out just feet from your seats.

Whether you're a die-hard tennis fan or simply looking for an unforgettable experience to share with friends and family, this lot is your ticket to an unforgettable day at the Masters 1000 Tournament. (Includes two preferred parking passes for the South Lot.)

Value: $1200
Starting Bid: $600
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Claire and Alan Eichner/ Eichner Investment Planning

 

Includes:

  • Seating for one (1) person in the wings for a mutually selected mainstage show during Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival

  • Two (2) tickets for guests to enjoy the performance in the auditorium

  • One (1) gift card for $150 at Losanti

Show and date during 2024 Summer Festival to be mutually agreed upon with Cincinnati Opera. Shows available: La Traviata and Don Giovanni.

Cincinnati Opera Backstage Extravaganza: A Behind-the-Scenes Adventure of a Lifetime

Prepare yourself for a fabulous dinner and exclusive views behind the curtain of the Cincinnati Opera's 2024 Summer Festival!

Witness the magic of opera from a perspective few have had the opportunity to see. Sit side-by-side with a Cincinnati Opera stage manager behind the scenes at Music Hall for a close-up view of the inner workings of a world-class opera production. Experience the thrill of calling a performance and feel the behind-the-scenes excitement as our talented artists prepare to take the stage. Have friends join you for a delectable dinner before the show at Losanti, one block from Music Hall, to elevate your evening further!

Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the opera from an entirely new perspective slip through your fingers. Bid now to secure your seat in the wings and become part of the behind-the-scenes magic of the Cincinnati Opera's 2024 Summer Festival.

Value: Priceless
Starting Bid: $1200
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Cincinnati Opera and Losanti

 

Includes:

  • Admission for five (5) to the Cincinnati Zoo

  • Parking in the Cincinnati Zoo Parking lot

  • Tremendous Tour-toise Tour Experience for five (5)

Behind-the-scenes experience dates are limited. Age requirements and black-out dates apply.

Tremendous Tour-toise Tour: An Exclusive Cincinnati Zoo Encounter for FIVE

Prepare for a rendezvous with some of the world's most majestic creatures as you embark on a journey at the Cincinnati Zoo, where you'll get up close and personal with the renowned Galapagos tortoises. Meet the largest species of tortoise in the world and discover the remarkable world of Galapagos tortoises during this extraordinary experience, guided by a passionate Cincinnati Zoo animal care staff member. Learn the fascinating story of these ancient giants and the vital conservation efforts that the Cincinnati Zoo supports to preserve their native islands. Engage with these magnificent creatures like never before. Feed, interact, and even help care for the world's largest tortoise species.

Value: Priceless
Starting Bid: $100
Bid Increment: $50

Donated by the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

 

Includes:

  • 7-day stay for up to 4 guests in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage with fully equipped kitchen

Winners may select any week in 2025 or any open week in 2024. Donors will provide travel and tourism advice to winners.Travel not included. Property is not handicap accessible.

Cornwall's Coastal Gem: 7-Day Escape for Four at Marrack's Cottage in Mousehole Village

Experience your very own Poldark fantasy with this incredible getaway!

Embark on a dreamy coastal journey to the enchanting village of Mousehole, nestled in the far southwest tip of England. With its quaint beauty, rich history, and endless adventures, Mousehole offers a slice of paradise by the sea. Your 7-day escape for four awaits at the cozy Marrack's Cottage, perfectly situated near the bustling fishing port of Newlyn and the picturesque town of Penzance. Explore the mysteries of the past with visits to Neolithic monuments, open-air theater by the water's edge, and the captivating 12th-century castle perched on a tidal island. Indulge in the flavors of the sea with fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional Cornish dishes, a true gastronomic delight.

Bid now for a 7-day coastal escape that promises a taste of ancient, simple, and delightfully quirky pleasures.

Starting Bid: $1000
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Margaret and Chip Montrose

 

Includes:

  • Bottle of Revel Sangiovese

  • Tour of Revel Winery

  • Tasting of five (5) Revel wines for six (6) persons

Revel Winery Tour for Six + Bottle of Sangiovese

Raise your glasses to an unforgettable wine adventure at Revel OTR Urban Winery! This exclusive lot is your passport to a world of artisanal wines and the art of winemaking.

Gather your favorite people for an intimate wine journey as you indulge in a private wine tasting with a wine-making primer and captivating winery tour. Up to six (6) adults can revel in the flavors of five (5) handcrafted Revel OTR wines—each a masterpiece carefully crafted with fruit sourced from California and Washington—plus a bottle of Revel Sangiovese to savor later. Explore the intricacies of winemaking with experts in the field such as Master Winemaker Alex Sena or Revel OTR Urban Winery founders, Anthony Maieron and John "JC" Coleman.

Value: $450
TBD Starting Bid: $100
TBD Bid Increment: $50

Donated by Revel OTR Urban Winery

 

Includes:

  • Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey

  • Two (2) Uncle Nearest Rocks Glasses

  • One (1) bottle Bitters Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix Cocktail Jigger

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Old Fashioned Package

Uncle Nearest Whiskey pays tribute to Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller, whose legacy is as rich and full-bodied as the whiskey itself, and is the most awarded bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022.

Indulge in the art of mixology with the Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Old Fashioned Package, where sophistication meets exquisite taste. This exclusive collection invites you to explore the world of whiskey craftsmanship and the timeless allure of the Old-Fashioned cocktail.

Enjoy a high-class cocktail with whiskey created by the 2021 and 2022 Master Blender of the Year (Whiskey Magazine), Victoria Eady Butler. As the first Black female master blender, and great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green, she’s breaking barriers and racking up awards.

Bid now to experience this incredible cocktail and an elevated experience, where tradition and innovation combine.

Value: $200
Starting Bid: $75
Bid Increment: $25

Donated by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

 

Includes:

  • Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

  • Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey

  • Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey

  • Two (2) Uncle Nearest Flight Boards with Glasses

Uncle Nearest Tasting Package

Uncle Nearest Whiskey pays tribute to Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller, whose legacy is as rich and full-bodied as the whiskey itself. Enjoy your collection with the two Uncle Nearest Flight Boards and Glasses, making each tasting session an exploration of flavors and a journey through the finest American spirits. With each sip, you'll savor the depth and complexity of whiskeys created with dedication, tradition, and a deep connection to American history.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has garnered over 550 awards and accolades since the 2017 launch, including 65 Best in Class honors such as: “World’s Best” by World Whiskies Awards, two “Chairman’s Trophies” from Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and “Top 5 Whiskies in the World” by Cigar & Spirits Magazine.

Bid now to unlock this extraordinary whiskey tasting experience, celebrating the heritage, craftsmanship, and unique flavors of Uncle Nearest.

Value: $275
Starting Bid: $100
Bid Increment: $25

Donated by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

 

Includes:

  • Curator-led tour for twelve (12) individuals by Casey Goldman-Davis of American Sign Museum and sneak preview of expansion set to open in spring 2024

  • Champagne and charcuterie reception in the Museum’s new library

Scheduling based on a mutually agreed date during 2024; not available on Friday or Saturday. Blackout dates apply in June, October and December.

Neon Nights: Exclusive American Sign Museum Tour & Reception

Step into a world where signs come to life, and history radiates from every corner. This exclusive lot invites you and 11 of your closest friends to immerse yourselves in the vibrant, electric atmosphere of the American Sign Museum, where nostalgia meets innovation, and enjoy a guided tour plus champagne and charcuterie.

Don't miss this chance to bring your friends together for an unforgettable night of art, history, and illumination. Bid now for the opportunity to be part of a neon-lit adventure that will leave you with memories as bright as the signs themselves!

Value: $880
TBD Starting Bid: $500
Bid Increment: $50

Donated by American Sign Museum

 

Includes:

  • Total of 72” (6 feet) of NEW custom-built WOW windowboxes, painted to match home and professionally installed

  • One year of seasonal planting (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)

  • Custom irrigation to the boxes (*based on availability of an outside spigot/ability to irrigate)

  • Possible, but not limited to the following combinations:

    • 1- 6’ box

    • 2- 3’ boxes

    • 1- 2’ box and 1- 4’ box

Curb Appeal Transformation: Custom WOW WindowboxES Installation and A Year of Seasonal Planting

Feel your neighbors’ envy as you turn your home into a year-round botanical masterpiece! Imagine the delight of having a custom-built, professionally installed flowering window box, courtesy of WOW Windowboxes, perfectly complement your home. Enjoy a full year of seasonal planting, transforming your outdoor space with the beauty of every season. Whether you choose to showcase one 6-foot box, two 3-foot boxes, a combination of 2-foot and 4-foot boxes, or another creative arrangement, your home will be a stunning reflection of your unique style—plus you’ll enjoy the convenience of custom irrigation, ensuring that your plants thrive year-round without ever lifting a finger!

Value $2000+
Starting Bid: $800
Bid Increment: $50

Donated by WOW Windowboxes

 

Includes:

  • Choice of one (1) oil figure study (three options to choose from)

Emil Robinson: Exquisite Oil Figure Study

This unique lot offers you the chance to own an oil figure study meticulously crafted by a skilled artist. Renowned Smithsonian-commended portraitist Emil Robinson paints weekly oil studies and now is your chance to add his incredible work to your collection. Choose one of the three offered figure studies, whichever speaks most to you.

Value $3000
Starting Bid: $1000
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Emil Robinson

 

Includes:

  • 3-piece costume worn by Jessica Rivera in Cincinnati Opera’s 2010 production of A Flowering Tree

  • Bodice (Red dupioni silk Choli): 38-40” with an additional 6” of seam allowance

  • Skirt (Red net Lehenga decked with zari (silver thread) embroidery, Kundan (gemstones), and stonework): 30” with an additional 6” of waist allowance

  • Scarf (Red silk Dupattā): 105”x48”

A Costume from the Stars: Jessica Rivera's A Flowering Tree Ensemble

Step into the world of operatic splendor and own a piece of theatrical history with this exceptional costume worn by Grammy Award-winning soprano Jessica Rivera. Jessica has graced Cincinnati Opera's stage with her breathtaking performances and will return as Donna Anna in Mozart's Don Giovanni for our 2024 Summer Festival Season. She portrayed Kumudha in the world premiere of A Flowering Tree directed by Peter Sellars at Vienna's New Crowned Hope Festival and took that role to San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke's at Lincoln Center, London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos in Lisbon, and, of course, Cincinnati Opera.

Bid to make this remarkable costume yours, a true collector's item that embodies the spirit of operatic excellence.

Value: Priceless
Starting Bid: $750
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Cincinnati Opera

 

Includes:

  • Costume worn by Lucas Meachem in Cincinnati Opera’s 2013 production of Don Giovanni

  • Justacorps (coat) of white floral damask, covered buttons, and wide cuffs. Worn by men in the latter half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century. (42-44)

  • Waistcoat (vest) of white floral damask with mother-of-pearl buttons (42-44)

  • Breeches of white floral damask with center back waist cincher (34-36)

  • Jabot of white lace with adjustable neckband (19”)

Opera Elegance: Lucas Meachem's Don Giovanni Costume

Grammy Award-winning baritone, Lucas Meachem, dubbed the “rock star of opera” (Opera Pulse) is world renowned for his “ernest, appealing baritone” (The New York Times). At home in leading roles at some of the world’s best houses ranging from the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Opéra national de Paris and the Royal Opera House, he performed with Cincinnati Opera as the title role of Don Giovanni in our 2013 production.

This is your golden opportunity to possess a costume that embodies the passion, drama, and artistry of the operatic world.

Value: Priceless
Starting Bid: $750
Bid Increment: $100

Donated by Cincinnati Opera

 

Includes:

  • Program curated for you of 3-5 operatic pieces (arias and duets)

  • Two (2) singers and one (1) pianist

Must be scheduled during 2024 for a mutually agreed upon date/time with Cincinnati Opera. Any additional requests outside of what is included may incur a fee.

Bring Cincinnati Opera to your Event

Whether you have an event already planned or want an opportunity to present a unique and dramatic performance to your friends and family, now is your chance to have Cincinnati Opera artists at an event of your choosing! Work with Cincinnati Opera staff to curate a program of 3-5 pieces, including 2 singers and a pianist, and wow your guests with a world-class performance.

Value: Priceless
Starting Bid: $700
Bid Increment: $$100

 

Includes:

  • Certificate for Four (4) Balcony Price Level 3-6 tickets for Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Show runs from February 17-26, 2024. Performances take place at the Taft Theatre, 315 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Cinderella Musical Experience

Experience the timeless tale of Cinderella, brought to life by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in a youth-friendly rendition at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio. This certificate entitles you to four Balcony tickets for the performance, promising a night filled with laughter, awe, and heartwarming moments.

Bid now to secure your seats for a night of enchantment, where fairy tales come to life, and dreams take flight. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-BID!

Value: $130
Starting Bid: $50
Bid Increment: $10

Donated by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati