Cabildo

With its presentation of Amy Beach’s Cabildo in the lush gardens of Miss Ima Hogg’s Bayou Bend estate, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston proves opera needn’t be a stuffed-shirt, hoity-toity affair. Instructions for this outdoor presentation of Beach’s 1932 composition, which tells the story of a tourist who dreams about the life of the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte after she falls asleep in what was once his cell, include “guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs.” The show is an important step for newly formed Opera Vista, a company offering opera in nontraditional and interactive settings. Along with a top-notch performance in the impeccable gardens of Miss Hogg, guests can enjoy wine, beer and snacks on blankets or lawn chairs, all for a reasonable price — now this is opera Houston-style. Let’s just hope it doesn’t starting raining at 8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 22, 8 p.m., 2007