Following a hugely successful launch of Opera Shots in October, Opera Birmingham (in partnership with Amici—Young Friends of Opera Birmingham) will present a second installment of the series at the popular downtown bar, The Collins Bar, on January 12 from 6:30-8:30 P.M. Admission is free.

Opera Shots is an annual series of pop-up concerts throughout the community, designed as part of new initiatives to bring opera to the masses and increase Opera Birmingham’s presence in the community. January’s Opera Shots is being presented as part of events leading up to the company’s production of La Traviata on January 22 and 24.

Opera Birmingham’s director of marketing, Eleanor Walter, commented that people tend to have a misconception of opera. “This series of pop-up concerts is designed to break through that stereotype and celebrate this timeless art form in fun, casual settings.”

“We had such a great time at Opera Shots in October, I’m glad we’re able to do it again leading up to our production of La Traviata,” said Keith A. Wolfe, general director of Opera Birmingham.  “This one will be even more exciting, since we will feature our guest artists singing, as well as the talented Opera Birmingham Chorus.  We’ll have a sampling of some of the songs from the show, plus other fun music to make it a great night out.”

Andrew Collins, owner of The Collins Bar and longtime supporter of Opera Birmingham, said he is excited about hosting Opera Shots. “I always enjoy getting to know the singers who come in town to perform with Opera Birmingham, and I think Opera Shots will be a great opportunity for our community to come hear a sneak preview of the upcoming performances and mingle with these talented singers over a few drinks.”

Opera Shots will feature the cast of La Traviata and members of the Opera Birmingham chorus, presenting an open-mic-style concert of highlights from La Traviata, as well as other greatest hits of opera and musical theatre, chorus favorites and jazz standards. As part of the festivities, there will be drawings for tickets to La Traviata, social media contests, and more. Also among the perks of attending Opera Shots, guests will receive a discount code to use in purchasing tickets for La Traviata.

Mark your calendars now to save this date, and stay tuned for more details on future Opera Shots events. Opera Shots is made possible, in part, through support from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (www.cfbham.org).

Opera Birmingham, the only professional opera company in Northern and Central Alabama, has entertained audiences for over 60 years. For more information regarding Opera Birmingham and upcoming performances, visit OperaBirmingham.org or call 205-322-6737, and connect with Opera Birmingham on Facebook, Twitter @OperaBham, and Instagram @OperaBirmingham.

Amici is a young patrons group with the mission of supporting and promoting Opera Birmingham. Amici (ah-MEE-chee), which is the Italian word for “friends,” is open to all opera lovers ages 21-45. For more information or to join Amici, visit www.OperaBirmingham.org/Amici.  Follow Amici on Facebook and Twitter @AmiciBirmingham.