PR - Divine Night 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JANUARY 14, 2025

WILMINGTON, Del. —  OperaDelaware, First State Ballet Theatre, and The Grand are thrilled to join with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Delaware to announce the return of A Divine Night in Delaware. This one-of-a-kind celebration honors the distinguished members of the Divine Nine, the nine founding sororities and fraternities established at HBCUs. This spectacular event will take place on March 20, 2025, at The Grand Opera House and promises an evening of glamour, artistry, and community spirit.

Following last year’s sold out inaugural performance, A Divine Night in Delaware has moved from the baby grand theater to the higher-capacity Copeland Hall at The Grand Opera House, and the celebrated pre-performance party will be spread throughout the historic theater. 

International operatic soprano Talise Trevigne, whose credits include the title role in La traviata with Calgary Opera and Patience in the world premiere of Castor and Patience at Cincinnati Opera, is one of three singers OperaDelaware will present. Talise will be joined by baritone Daniel Rich, who recently wowed Delaware audiences as Marcello in La Boheme following his recent graduation from the prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Program at the Metropolitan Opera. Tenor Dane Suarez, OperaDelaware Company Artist who has been lauded for his “big, heroic voice” and “powerful emotions” (LA Weekly) joins the trio representing OperaDelaware for this momentous performance. 

First State Ballet Theatre will perform highlights from the classical repertoire and new contemporary work.  Excerpts from beloved ballets La Esmerelda and Talisman Pas De Deux feature exciting partnering, dramatic lifts, and beautiful artistry by the company's talented professional dancers.  The program also includes variations by promising students from The School of FSBT, highlighting the next generation and FSBT's exceptional training programs for young dancers.  The company will perform Celestials, a new contemporary ballet by choreographer Viktor Plotnikov, which will have its World Premiere at FSBT's Triple Bill in February.  Plotnikov was born in Kharkov City, Ukraine, graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy, and was a Principal Dancer at Boston Ballet for over a decade.  Plotnikov is a frequent FSBT collaborator who has created many works for the company, including two full-length ballets, Dracula and Romeo & Juliet.  His piece, Wings, was a hit at last year's Divine Night in Delaware performance. 

A Divine Night in Delaware begins with a DJed cocktail hour, where attendees can mix and mingle in style while enjoying a red carpet runway, complete with professional pOPERAzzi capturing the dazzling arrivals. Guests will be greeted by a complimentary glass of champagne. VIP ticket holders and sponsors will have access to an exclusive VIP lounge with complimentary cocktails, while the party continues in the Sarah Bernhardt Lounge with Italian food and a cash bar. The night unfolds with electrifying performances by OperaDelaware and First State Ballet Theatre, celebrating the vibrant intersection of opera, ballet, and the rich cultural legacy of the Divine Nine.

In addition to celebrating the arts, the event fosters a friendly attendance competition among the Divine Nine. The sorority or fraternity with the highest turnout will win a free Pop-Up Opera performance from OperaDelaware, performed at any location of their choosing within Delaware. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the National Pan-Hellenic Council, furthering its mission to promote unity and community service.

Quotes from Event Leaders

“A Divine Night in Delaware is a testament to the power of collective joy. The energy from the sold-out crowd was palpable at the inaugural event, and the artists and audience were connected in a truly remarkable way. OperaDelaware is proud to continue this important and impactful partnership with First State Ballet Theatre, The National Pan-Hellenic Council, and The Grand,” says Kerriann Otaño, Vice President of Engagement at OperaDelaware.

“First State Ballet Theatre is thrilled to collaborate with The Divine Nine, The Grand, and OperaDelaware to put together this special one-night-only performance. A Divine Night in Delaware demonstrates the power of the arts in convening and celebrating community,” says Kristina Kambalov, Executive Director of First State Ballet Theatre.

“A Divine Night is becoming one of our dancers' favorite performances. The full house, great energy, and getting to share the stage with our friends at OperaDelaware makes for such a unique evening,” adds Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov.

"The Grand is proud to participate in Divine Night as it aligns with our commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and community connection through the arts. By hosting this remarkable event in our venue, we hope to not only provide a beautiful space for celebrating the legacy of the Divine Nine but also play a key role in bringing together diverse communities to experience the power of the arts, unity, and shared celebration," says The Grand's Director of Community Engagement, Mari Johnson. 

“A Divine Night in Delaware is a perfect way to celebrate the intersection of The Grand, its resident companies, and local organizations within our community. A night of shared space, art, joy, and celebration is exactly what the world needs right now, and we are thrilled to be hosting the Divine Nine, as well as its guests and our resident companies, for this unique one-night only experience, happening right here in downtown Wilmington. The event’s move from the baby grand to Copeland Hall highlights the appetite for the evening, as well as the electric experience it provides for attendees,” says Skip Pennella, The Grand’s Executive Director.

“This journey of collaboration between the New Castle County NPHC, The Grand and Opera Delaware will be a beautiful partnership that will grow and last for years to come! Every Organization within the Divine Nine is very excited and looking forward to the beautiful evening!” says Money Griffin, president of the New Castle County National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Tickets can be purchased at OperaDelaware.org or by calling the OperaDelaware box office at 302-442-7807.

About OperaDelaware

OperaDelaware, the nation’s 11th oldest opera company, is dedicated to producing world-class opera while building bridges between the art form and the local community. As a trailblazer in reimagining opera’s future, OperaDelaware is committed to providing opportunities for artists and fostering a thriving cultural landscape in Delaware. 

Contact OperaDelaware:
Kerriann Otaño
Vice President of Engagement, OperaDelaware
kotano@operaDE.org
www.operaDE.org

About First State Ballet Theatre

Established in 1999 by Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov and Executive Director Kristina Kambalov, First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware's only professional ballet company.  

FSBT employs a diverse roster of dancers from around the world to present classical and contemporary ballet, including new works from local and internationally-recognized choreographers, on stages across the state of Delaware and beyond.  

The School of FSBT offers ballet classes year-round at the company’s headquarters at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE and at a new satellite school in Whitehall, DE.  The School of FSBT attracts students from all three counties in Delaware as well as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.      

FSBT’s mission is to present ballet boldly in Delaware; to enrich the community with live professional performances; to inspire and educate dancers and audiences of the future; and to connect local youth with a creative, inclusive movement experience.  FSBT reaches over 6,000 people annually through its performances and outreach programs.

Contact First State Ballet Theatre:

Claire McGregor:
Marketing, First State Ballet Theatre
cmcgregor@firststateballet.org
www.firststateballet.org

About The Grand

The Grand is one of the region’s premier performing arts presenters, offering music, dance, comedy, and family-focused programming, along with the best of touring Broadway. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization and operates three venues on Wilmington’s Market Street arts corridor (Copeland Hall, the baby grand, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square).

The opulent and historic Grand Opera House has been a landmark for the residents of Wilmington and the surrounding region for 153 years. Opened in 1871 as a home for the Grand Lodge of the Masons, The Grand played host to thousands of renowned entertainers and performing artists over the years, including Ethel Barrymore, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa, political cartoonist Thomas Nast, and the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. Reopened in 1973 after falling into disrepair in 1971, the current organization has had artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, The White Stripes, Trey Anastasio, Lewis Black, Ron White, Lisa Lampanelli, Pete Davidson, and more grace their stages.

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Opera Delaware, First State Ballet Theatre, and The Rock Orchestra are all in residence at The Grand, presenting full schedules in each of their disciplines.

Between The Grand, its resident performing companies, and rentals, the building hosts more than 300 events a year bringing more than 100,000 people into downtown Wilmington and through its doors.

Contact The Grand:
Jake Glassman
Marketing and PR Manager, The Grand
jglassman@grandopera.org
www.thegrandwilmington.org

About the National Pan-Hellenic Council

The New Castle County National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collective of all the Divine Nine Organizations, coming together to help the community within the New Castle County area. As a collective we strive to uplift and make a greater impact for the community by doing service projects, joint partnerships within the community and community engagement.

Contact NPHC:
Monet Griffin
President, New Castle County NPHC National Pan-Hellenic Council
Nccnphcnews@gmail.com

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.