'Opera and Chocolate' on Wednesday Night

An evening of opera and chocolate on Wednesday, May 23, will help a local vocal arts group raise money for an international exchange program for young singers. 

Tickets are still available for the "Opera and Chocolate" event 7 p.m Wednesday at the Ocean City Yacht Club. The event is sponsored by Fox Vocal Arts and raises money for the annual Ocean City Operafest International.

The evening includes lots of singing, a great violinist and pianist, a youthful Mozart opera — and a rompin' stompin' preview of "Sioux City Sue," the musical revue that six local students will perform in Germany. Entertainment will also feature a long medley of  classic and classical music with lots of famous opera and musical theater music. 

Ken Young, retired from the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, will be singing music from South Pacific and more, and Diane Daniels, who sang with New York City Opera, performs Climb Every Mountain and music from Fiddler on the Roof.  

Proceeds from the event benefit Operafest International, a shared culture workshop for German and American students. American students from the Ocean City area will be part of a 10-day total immersion in performing concerts, and they will tour and explore the beautiful Westerwald area of Germany.  Together with staff and some parents, about 20 people will be participating in the event this summer.

Tickets for Operafest International are $35 at the door and $15 for children 12 and younger.