Arts + Benefits :: What to do this week!

Joyfully spontaneous? Socially conscientious? Artistically curious?
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Readers are welcome to add their own picks for THIS week (scroll down.) For more events see the Fundraisers Datebook or the E•X•P/arts Calendar.

Wednesday – July 28

[Opera] Carmen by Georges Bizet
Here’s your last chance to check out this fabulous summer series. Come hear the very best the opera world has to offer while chomping on popcorn and quaffing an adult beverage of your choice. Carmen is one of those pieces that is so famous that people forget how truly great the music is. Here’s your chance to see why this opera so shocked audiences at its premiere in 1875, and why it remains one of the most popular operas to this day.

What: The Met Live in HD Summer Encore Series
Where: Regal, Deerfield Town Center, Mason; Showcase Cinema De Lux, Springdale and Florence.
When: 6:30 p.m.
More information: www.metoperafamily.org

Thursday – July 29

[Concert] Greenacres Under The Stars
Pack a picnic, grab a group of friends or your music-loving family, and head out to beautiful Indian Hill to hear sublime renditions of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven played by members of the Cincinnati Symphony. Guest conductor Julian Kuerti, who was a huge hit this spring in Music Hall, is one of the true emerging talents in the orchestral world. Highly recommended.

Where: 8400 Blome Road, Indian Hill
When: Gates open at 6:00 pm; music begins at 7:00 pm
More information: 513-793-ARTS or www.green-acres.org

Friday – July 30

[Visual Art] Zen-Scapes
Inspired by the lush, verdant beauty of July in the Ohio Valley, Miller Gallery presents a diverse collection of inspiring landscapes from around the world by Velko Geurgevich, Stephen Bach, Hugh O’Neill, Timur Akhriev, and Tom Bluemlein. Miller’s openings always involve a fascinating mix of artists and aficionados…a cool crowd amidst the heat and humidity of summer in Cincinnati. Then go have ice cream on the Square afterward!

Where: Miller Gallery, 2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park Square
When: 6-8 p.m.
More information: 513-871-4420 or www.millergallery.com

[Opera] The Pilgrim’s Progress
Ralph Vaughan Williams was one of the most central figures in 20th century English music. He was best known for his orchestral and choral music. This is a rare chance to see one of his operas, only the ninth time The Pilgrim’s Progress has been performed. The Christ Church music program is steeped in this Anglican tradition, so expect a beautifully sung interpretation.

Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown.
When: 8 p.m. (also Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.)
More information: 513-621-1817 or www.christchurchcincinnati.org

Saturday – July 31

[Benefit] Suits That Rock
By day, they wear business suits, but on this Saturday in July, more than 30 business leaders will don their rock-star duds and unveil their secret musical personas. This performance (also August 7) benefits the The Carnegie. Guests will receive a reserved seat, commemorative mug, hors d’oeuvres and valet parking. Come see alter egos at their most pronounced, and it’s all for a good cause.

Where: Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington
When: 7:30 p.m. (also August 7)
More information: 859-491-2030 or www.thecarnegie.com

Have a suggestion for another fine arts event or benefit this week? Post it here!

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