High culture in Front Royal – another sold out Osteria night at the opera

There is no shortage of opera fans in Front Royal, as evidenced by the sellout audiences that have packed the Osteria 510 Italian Kitchen at weekend performances over the past 18 months.  If you don’t have your reservations for Nov. 3-4, then forget about it for this year.  Other shows are promised in 2018 and beyond and we’ll tell you how to get on the list.

Soprano Melissa Jean Chavez

Favorite locals Melissa Jean Chavez, soprano, and Nicholas Carratura, tenor, are again featured in the Nov. 4 performance of arias and duets.  Jan Wagner is back on his keyboard and is musical director for the performers.  Wagner is the director of orchestral studies at Shenandoah University.  On Nov. 3, Maggie Ramsey, mezzo soprano, drops in from Arlington to pair with Carratura, according to David Freese.  The Front Royal resident is credited with advancing the idea of operatic and other musical evenings to Italian-born restaurant owner Vincenzo Belvia – and Belvia ran with it.  There have been waiting lists for all performances.

Belvia, as before, will present a four-course menu to be enjoyed during the shows.  The artistes sing between courses, one of them explaining the words to the Italian language arias.  The dinners and entertainment last about four hours, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, you may call the restaurant at (540) 631-1101 and ask to be put on their mailing list for future events.

“A Night at the Opera” is a night to remember at the Osteria, 510 South Royal Avenue. Don’t miss it – the next time around!