There are arts auctions, and there are arts auctions. The Long Beach Opera 2010 Gala Dinner and Auction belongs in the latter category, because you won't believe what the winning bidders will take home — or out. Now, LBO prides itself on its “history of providing rare and unexpected experiences,” but this one just could take the cake. Who wouldn't jump at the chance to have lunch with composer Philip Glass (he'll have the tuna tuna tuna on rye rye rye, hold the mayo mayo mayo); the opportunity to conduct the LBO orchestra at an opera rehearsal; or a walk-on role in an opera? If you've got the bucks, no prob. Or, cater to your vanity and win a portrait of you, yourself and you, “painted and drawn by a group of eclectic artists.” But wait, it gets better. How about a leisurely day in Vienna with LBO artistic and general director Andreas Mitisek? Or a 16 GB Apple iPad? The annual do of dos includes a gourmet dinner, wine bar, some “surprising” guests and a sneak peek performance by LBO of selections from the 2011 season, which includes innovative productions of Luigi Cherubini's Medea , Philip Glass's Akhnaten , Dmitri Shostakovich's Moscow, Cherry Town and David Lang's The Difficulty of Crossing a Field . Talk about a full night.

Sat., Oct. 2, 2010

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