MimiRudulph

The Answer: The Met, The Kennedy Center, and the Palm Springs estate of John Armour and Mario Knoppe.

The Question: Where has renowned mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán mesmerized listeners?

Board members and supporters of the Opera Showcase of the Desert gathered at the Mimi Rudulph Circle membership cocktail reception where the witty and charismatic Guzmán, of the Los Angeles Opera, was presented with the first Lilli Joseph Award. Her performance drew a packed house, or in this case a "packed home."

She reminded the audience that she started her career as a rock singer, transitioning to the world of opera as a form of therapy - obviously the right prescription.

President Brian Webb acknowledged his board, including powerhouse VP Marion Schaefer. He presented the 2007 Mimi Rudulph award to Metropolitan Western Region Auditions Chair Molly Siefert by appropriately gifting her with a Baccarat crystal star, noting, "I don't know what I'd do without you, Molly."

Opera Showcase past president and icon Lilli Joseph, following remarks by silver-tongued President Webb, joked "I'm terribly sorry but I don't have a British accent." Joseph, a longtime major force behind the Opera Showcase, recognized singer Guzmán as a "special soul."

While 150 very grown-up attendees, including board member Jean Carrus, enjoyed Lynn Hammond's catering, occasional glimpses of two small blond heads were observed darting between rooms of modern art and crawling under the grand piano. Said sightings were confirmed as being the twin 4-year-olds of hosts Armour and Knoppe, whose daughters are clearly at ease with the "opera set."

The nonprofit Opera Showcase of the Desert is dedicated to supporting young operatic artists through annual scholarships. As Board member Caryl Olins pointed out, "supporting this talent is our raison d'être." Opera Showcase information: 323-0154

	Opera Showcase of the Desert 1775 East Palm Canyon Drive, Box 235, Palm Springs, CA 92264
	(Alison Elsner, Special to The Desert Sun) Opera star and winner of the Lilli Joseph Award Suzanna Guzmán (left), Lillie Joseph, Brian Webb, Mimi Rudulph Award winner Molly Siefert and Showcase vice president Marion Schaefer attend last week's Opera Showcase reception at the home of John Armour and Mario Knoppe
	Noted mezzo soprano Guzmán graces Palm Springs gathering Alison Elsner Special to The Desert Sun Reprinted from The Desert Sun, February 18, 2007 © 2007 - The Desert Sun
	The Answer: The Met, The Kennedy Center, and the Palm Springs estate of John Armour and Mario Knoppe. The Question: Where has renowned mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán mesmerized listeners? Board members and supporters of the Opera Showcase of the Desert gathered at the Mimi Rudulph Circle membership cocktail reception where the witty and charismatic Guzmán, of the Los Angeles Opera, was presented with the first Lilli Joseph Award. Her performance drew a packed house, or in this case a "packed home." She reminded the audience that she started her career as a rock singer, transitioning to the world of opera as a form of therapy - obviously the right prescription. President Brian Webb acknowledged his board, including powerhouse VP Marion Schaefer. He presented the 2007 Mimi Rudulph award to Metropolitan Western Region Auditions Chair Molly Siefert by appropriately gifting her with a Baccarat crystal star, noting, "I don't know what I'd do without you, Molly." Opera Showcase past president and icon Lilli Joseph, following remarks by silver-tongued President Webb, joked "I'm terribly sorry but I don't have a British accent." Joseph, a longtime major force behind the Opera Showcase, recognized singer Guzmán as a "special soul." While 150 very grown-up attendees, including board member Jean Carrus, enjoyed Lynn Hammond's catering, occasional glimpses of two small blond heads were observed darting between rooms of modern art and crawling under the grand piano. Said sightings were confirmed as being the twin 4-year-olds of hosts Armour and Knoppe, whose daughters are clearly at ease with the "opera set." The nonprofit Opera Showcase of the Desert is dedicated to supporting young operatic artists through annual scholarships. As Board member Caryl Olins pointed out, "supporting this talent is our raison d'être." Opera Showcase information: 323-0154