By Tom Lady
Welcome to the fifth installment of BRAVO live!
In this episode, we take you behind the curtain, and the counter, of the Shop at the Opera.
The Shop, as it's affectionately known, is one of the nonprofit Opera League's most popular destinations, both for operagoers looking to upgrade their wardrobe as well as for eager Leaguers looking to upgrade their volunteering prowess.
For many years now, the Shop has been one of the League's most dynamic and effective fundraising instruments, with all proceeds going to LA Opera's educational and community engagement initiatives. But who are these volunteers who work the Shop?
Opera League Vice President Gary Murphy stops by the Shop at the Opera, located in the lobby of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (a.k.a. the opera house). There he catches up with Holly Harrie, Shop manager, Mirjana Mahnovski, Shop buyer and Opera League Board Nominating Committee member, and Ruth Bachofner, Shop volunteer who also sits on the League's Finance Committee and co-chairs the Social Committee. Through a fun and casual conversation, they share with Gary what goes into making the Shop work, as well as the joy and camaraderie that comes from volunteering.
About BRAVO Live!
BRAVO Live! is a relatively new series the Opera League launched in March 2021. Inspired by the League's flagship print publication, BRAVO (check out recent issues here and here), BRAVO Live!'s charter is to adapt BRAVO's interview format for the virtual space to spotlight today's brightest stars of the musical firmament, both in front of and behind the curtain.
By the way, if you missed the first two episodes of BRAVO Live!, check them out on the Opera League's YouTube channel.
Without further ado, please enjoy episode five of BRAVO Live! We hope you are entertained and enlightened.