Ospite Circle: A National Council
Join a national community of fellow opera lovers.
Our historic city presents a welcoming travel destination for opera enthusiasts from across the country and around the globe, and the Opera Philadelphia Channel offers “borderless” access to our digital performances from home. We hope you will join us for both live and digital performances and events planned for our 2022-2023 Season.
To serve our audience from beyond the Philadelphia area, Opera Philadelphia created a national council, the Ospite Circle, to welcome our out-of-town guests to connect through shared experiences and curated events. Pronounced "AW-spi-tay," this Italian word conveys two special meanings—both 'host' and 'guest'—and serves as an invitation to those who share our bold vision for the future of our art form.
We are thrilled to have the chance to once again welcome guests from outside the immediate Philadelphia area to Festival O22. If you are interested in learning more about the events and activities planned during your O22 visit, please contact Catherine Perez, Membership Manager, at 215.893.5908 or at events@operaphila.org.
Opera Philadelphia invites you to join us for the following Ospite Circle events during your time in Philadelphia.
O22 Celebration Dinner
Thursday 9/22
Opera Philadelphia invites you to celebrate the highly anticipated return of Festival O and the kickoff of a thrilling season with a dazzling dinner on the stage of the Academy of Music. Join us for an unforgettable evening beginning with a cocktail reception in the Academy of Music lobby, followed by a three-course seated dinner on the beautiful set of Rossini’s Otello.
Tickets for this fundraising event are $500 per guest. RSVP by September 7.
Ospite Receptions
Friday 9/23 and Friday 9/30
Let Opera Philadelphia welcome you to Festival O22 with a special Ospite Circle Reception, prior to Rossini’s Otello at the Academy of Music. Enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres while mingling with other festival patrons.
Champagne Intermission Receptions
Friday 9/23, Sunday 9/25, Friday 9/30, and Sunday 10/2
Please join Opera Philadelphia donors in the beautiful Academy of Music ballroom during the intermission of your ticketed performance of Rossini’s Otello. Complimentary beverages and light refreshments will be served.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Guided Tours
Saturday 9/24 and Saturday 10/1
Philadelphia’s world-renowned Museum of Art welcomes Opera Philadelphia’s Ospite Circle guests for a customized tour. Explore the galleries with an expert guide who will highlight selected pieces from the Museum’s collection.
Film Festival Preview Event & Reception
Saturday 9/24
For Ospite members attending the first weekend of O22, you are invited to join us at the Philadelphia Film Center for a special event and reception. We will preview several selections from the Opera On Film series that will take place later in the Festival.
Backstage Tours of the Academy of Music
Sunday 9/25 and Sunday 10/2
Join us for a peek backstage at the Academy of Music. You’ll go behind the scenes of Rossini’s Otello for a closer look at the set to discover how this stunning opera comes to life onstage.
View sample itineraries for Festival O22
Thursday, September 22 – Sunday, September 25
Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2
Let us help to customize your O22 plans. To attend any of these events, please contact Catherine Perez, Membership Manager, at 215.893.5944 or events@operaphila.org.
Due to space restrictions, capacity for these events will be limited. Please respond by Wednesday, September 7.
