It’s great. It’s grand. It’s opera. The exciting finale of Vero Beach Opera’s dynamic 2019 season bursts onto the VBHS Performing Arts Center stage this Friday, March 22, with no less than international opera superstar Marcello Giordani in concert with the winners of VBO’s prestigious Rising Stars Vocal Competition, which concludes this Thursday, March 21. The Italian tenor is a favorite with the New York Metropolitan Opera, where he has performed more than 200 works since his 1993 debut there, as well as in leading roles in opera houses across Europe, according to Wikipedia. His wide repertoire includes the Bel Canto works of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini; the lyric French repertoire; and the heavy drama of Verdi, Puccini and Berlioz. Giordani will be joined by some of the very best young operatic voices (between 20 and 30 years old) chosen from among 80 or so singers from around the world, who have journeyed to Vero Beach for the fourth annual event, which awards career-advancing cash prizes including a $10,000 grand prize. If you’re familiar with this exciting event, you know well the talent that will share the spotlight with Giordani. If this will be your first time, prepare to be thrilled. Time/tickets: Thursday finals, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., $20. Friday, Giordani and Rising Star winners concert, 7 p.m., $30-$50. 772-64-5537 or VeroBeachOpera.org.
First time ever – art exhibition March 29-31: There’s a new kid in town. For “new,” read “something the Vero Beach Art Club has never done before.” For “kid,” read “art exhibition consisting exclusively of 3-dimensional art.” For in town, read “the beautiful Marsh Island club house.” According to spokesguy George Paxton, the VBAC decided to “branch out and up” from the Art on the Island show of previous seasons. And what they came up with, “New Dimensions,” seems to have done just that. Seeking entries, they didn’t mess around – they put the word out to about 20,000 3-D artists nationwide – and ended up with 180 entries, including from Cali and New York. From this field, an impressive panel of judges – including, shares Paxton, the president of the National Sculpture Society and a Ringling College of Art and Design dean – selected 75 of the best for the inaugural exhibition. Paxon says “New Dimensions” is likely “the only major art exhibition consisting exclusively of 3-dimensional art on the Treasure Coast, and perhaps all of Florida.” Art aficionados note: If some piece of art calls to you, you’ll be able to make it your own. Plus: parking and admission are free. Marsh Island, by the way, is off 510, north side, about half way across the Wabasso Bridge. Time: Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: free. 772-2231-0303.
Talk about dinner and a show! Putzke’s Theatre-Go-Round has the perfect on-the-beach combo, Costa d’Este (gourmet) dinner and ABBA music. The always-packs-’em-in Theatre-Go-Round company of top-flight performers, under the skilled hand of well-known, longtime director Jon Putzke, opens its all-new musical show, “The Best of ABBA,” at its new beachside venue this Sunday, March 24. If you’re as dedicated an ABBA fan as I am, any combination of songs the show includes will be “The Best Of.” This show runs through May 5, with no performance on Easter Sunday. Theatre-Go-Round shows frequently sell out, so – Note to Self. Time: dinner, 4 p.m.; show, 6 p.m. Cost: $65, including tax and tip. 772-252-9341.