OPERA MAINE
GALA 2026
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GALA LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

New York Metropolitan Opera Extravaganza for Two

What’s more glamorous than an evening of opera in the Big Apple? How about two evenings! Two tickets to two opera performances during the month of October, plus a gift certificate for a pre-performance dinner at the Metropolitan Opera’s Grand Tier restaurant. Includes two night’s accommodations.

Rare Dye-Transfer Color Print by an Award-Winning Photographer

(Reserve price applies)

Take home this mesmerizing image “Santa Ynez Branches” by esteemed photographer Kevin Schochat and be transported by the magnificence of California. This photo’s amazingly rich colors are a result of the painstaking dye-transfer printing process, in which three color layers are applied sequentially with precise registration. Popular from the 1920s-1970s, it is rarely used today due to its complexity. Kevin has earned awards from Nikon, Brooks Institute of Photography, the Georgia Press Association, the Portland Camera Club, PhotoPlace Gallery and IPPA. His work has appeared in the Nikon House in New York, the National Geographic Society Gallery in Washington, DC, and the book The American Woman. Signed archival print, 2 of 2, with museum glass is approximately 26” by 20.”

Kevin Schochat, Santa Ynez Branches

“I was reading the price list of this lab in Chicago and it advertised ‘from the cheapest to the ultimate print’. The ultimate print was a dye-transfer…. The color saturation and the quality of the ink was overwhelming. I couldn’t wait to see what a plain Eggleston picture would look like with the same process. Every photograph I subsequently printed with the process seemed … better than the previous one.”

—William Eggleston in conversation with editor and writer Mark Holborn, 1991

Dinner for Six with Opera Maine’s Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn

An intimate dinner for six with Opera Maine’s charismatic Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn. Curious about what makes a memorable production? Current Opera happenings worldwide? Her career path? (yes, Jesus Christ Superstar!) This is your golden opportunity to get answers to your questions during a lively conversation at the Cumberland Club in Portland over a convivial meal.

Bangs Island Mussel and Oyster Farm Tour for Four to Six and Gift Certificate to Scales

Enjoy a private tour of Bangs Island mussel and oyster operations. For sixteen years, the Moretti family has supplied the creme de la creme of mussels to discriminating chefs across the country. The tour will also include a peek into their oyster operation. At a later time of your choosing, you can savor the shellfish yourselves at Scales, Portland’s premier seafood restaurant on the working waterfront.

Private Paella Dinner for Eight

Paella, Spain’s most iconic culinary masterpiece, is more than just a dish. It’s a celebration of community, and its true magic lies in the spirit of gathering. To share paella is to experience the soul of Spain itself; warm, diverse and deeply communal. Enjoy this memorable experience and night of connection, crafted with care by your hosts, Robin and Lisa Copland in their lovely Topsham home.

Raise the Paddle

Support Opera Maine’s Studio Artist Program with a direct donation! Many of our alumni have gone on to have successful careers in major theaters, both nationally and internationally. This is your opportunity to help send them on their way!

Romantic Escape to Beautiful Bordeaux for Two

(Reserve price applies)

Discover the magic of Southwest France with a stay at a private vineyard estate. Understated elegance meets rural French charm at your lovingly restored home, dating back to the 14th century. Your stay includes a guided winery tour where you’ll uncover the secrets of Bordeaux’s Grand Cru production, followed by a tasting of fine wines paired with regional specialties. With charming UNESCO-listed Saint Emilion just five minutes away, and Bordeaux’s vibrant streets reachable in under 30 minutes, your escape offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and cultural discovery.

Roméo et Juliette Opening Night (July 23, 2026) in Grand Style for Four

Leave the driving to us as a personal driver whisks you and your guests away to the private Cumberland Club for a pre-performance gourmet dinner and champagne toast. Then off to the Merrill to enjoy Opera Maine’s original production of Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette from your prime seats in the Grand Tier.

Sunset Sail for Four on Casco Bay

Hit refresh, then sail away for a delightful evening on the 46-ft. sloop Boheme with gourmet treats as guests of congenial hosts Peter and Pam Plumb.

Solo Italiano Private Pasta-Making Class and Dinner for 6

Portland’s Solo Italiano has earned a stellar reputation for authentic regional Italian food under the direction of its Michelin-starred Executive Chef and owner Paolo Laboa. Learn from the master in this private pasta-making class, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor in this charming venue.

Spring Getaway at a Private Rangeley Home for Eight

Hit pause and whisk yourself away to three nights of springtime serenity at this cozy pond-side retreat nestled among the towering Maine pines. Your warm welcome at Amalaran is designed to make you feel right at home, with magnificent views and loads of natural light. Find your ideal balance of solitude and exploration as you wake up among the soothing sounds of nature, and breathe in that famous fresh Maine air. Enjoy fishing and kayaking from your private dock.

Customized Family Portrait by Tiffany White Photography

Tiffany White Pushard is a dynamic photographer whose vibrant works fill the homes of families around the world. Capture your own timeless memories through this exclusive package which includes a one-hour portrait session, an 11×14 custom artcraft print with retouching and enhancements, and an in-home design consultation to help you select the best images and finishes for your personal style and décor.

PHOTOS FROM 2025 GALA