As the audience gathers to watch Micheal Feinstein’s “Because Of You,” a touching tribute to Tony Bennett, they may find themselves wondering what is coming up next for Texas A&M’s Opera and Performing Arts Society.
In a quaint celebration of the 52nd season’s opening night held at Brazos Proper Texas Kitchen, OPAS announced an exciting new partnership with the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center.
The hotel will take the main stage as the provider of a pre-performance dining experience with exclusive menus and cocktails for attendees of the OPAS performances in their own The Rail Bar and Brazos Proper Texas Kitchen.
Patti Culwell, director of operations of the A&M Hotel, introduced the new partnership along with The Rail Bar.
“It’s really been kind of a labor of love for the team here,” Culwell said. “We did it kind of in house and kind of pulled a lot of people’s ideas in the team.”
The A&M Hotel’s executive chef, Kevin Luque, emphasized the hard work and dedication that went into redeveloping a menu for the OPAS pre-theater dining that not only highlights Texas flavors but also supports Aggie-owned businesses.
“We’re very passionate about working with Aggies, working with the university,” Luque said. “We consider ourselves a living and learning laboratory. We’re very passionate about using the finest cuts of meat, the finest products we can get, and if it has an Aggie connection, that’s even better.”
From charcuterie boards to bacon bites, the A&M Hotel will have something for those who want a quick bite before watching a theatrical performance put on by OPAS and those wanting a nighttime cocktail afterwards. It’s not just a place to eat — but also a place to connect with other individuals passionate about the performing arts.
Micheal Feinstein, Grammy & Emmy Award nominee and OPAS appearing performer, was the last speaker of the night.
“The performing life of an artist is one traveling all over, and it’s wonderful to be able to make friends with music,” Feinstein said. “… [The arts] bring people together. It brings people together that don’t necessarily have anything else in common.”
