Blog

The World of Opera: Stories of Love on Valentine’s Weekend
02.11.20
Beautiful love stories, told through some of the most beloved opera music of all time, will unfold on Sunday, Feb. 16, when the Parnassus Society presents The World of Opera: Stories of Love at the Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo. The 3 p.m. concert is the perfect finale to Valentine’s Weekend, with selections from romantic operas such as Madame Butterfly, Tosca and La Traviata sung by highly acclaimed performers.
The audience will enjoy performances by world-renowned artists who also call Orange County home: Tenor Bruce Sledge (City of Orange native), Mezzo-Soprano Milena Kitic (Newport Beach resident), Soprano Julie Makerov and Bass-Baritone Aaron Pendleton. Scott Dunn, Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, will lead the Parnassus Chamber Orchestra.
“We recognize that opera is an acquired musical taste and not everyone is ready to dip their toes into the world of opera via a full-length operatic performance,” said Dr. Kenneth Tokita, Parnassus Society founder. “We have asked these incredibly talented, in-demand opera singers to perform a “sampling” of arias that will wow both opera ‘regulars’ and ‘newbies.’”
Two young artists from the Orange County School of the Arts and Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices will be showcased and the Claudia de la Cruz Flamenco Dance Company also will perform.
Tickets and program: http://bit.ly/worldofopera
Through the generous support of Dr. and Mrs. Tokita, the nonprofit Parnassus Society presents world-class performers while keeping ticket prices affordable. General admission tickets are $25 to $50; seniors, students and active military are $15 to $25. Parking is free. Soka Performing Arts Center is located at 1 University Drive in Aliso Viejo.
Blog

James Bond Approved Valentine’s Day Gift
02.11.20
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, something that communicates love in more ways than one? Look no further that the newest modern tech meets luxury jewelry item that will sure to get a loved one’s heart beating. Talsam is a new line of luxury smart jewelry designed for people to stay connected. An all new concept, this technology-enabled fashion accessory conjures up the romance of keepsakes, love letters, and physical mementos of days gone by, perfect for a unique Valentine’s Day gift.
Talsam allows users to communicate wirelessly through Bluetooth-enabled semi-precious stone charms. Loved ones can send text messages, videos, voice notes, photos, and animated emojis via Talsam’s exclusive app, and the charm lights up and gently vibrates when a message is received.
Users get their own dedicated, private message feed within the brand’s mobile app, to be shared only with loved ones. This is where participants can send text messages, videos, voice notes, photos and stylized quotes. When someone wearing the charm receives a message, it lights up and vibrates to let them know. In terms of privacy, users have the ability to mark a message as secret and require the recipient to authenticate their identity before unlocking it.
Each Talsam charm costs $279 and can be found at talsam.com.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 02.12.26 – A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
- 02.10.26 – The Groundlings Bring Legendary Improv to Musco Center
- 02.09.26 – A Valentine’s Gift Guide for Every Kind of Love
- 02.08.26 – Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
- 02.02.26 – A Century of Modern Dance at the Musco Center Celebrating Martha Graham
- 02.02.26 – CHAGEE Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo Feb. 6–8
- 02.01.26 – Bardega Sets Grand Opening Celebration in Laguna Hills
- 01.30.26 – More Nights, More Boots on the Floor at Westwood Coast
- 01.30.26 – Marelle Santa Monica Sets the Tone for Coastal Dining on Ocean Avenue
- 01.30.26 – Los Angeles Is Having a Moment in 2026
- 01.19.26 – Small-Batch Botanical Wellness for Dogs
- 01.17.26 – THE NOTEBOOK Musical Set for Segerstrom Hall in 2026
- 01.16.26 – A Valentine’s Weekend to Remember in Huntington Beach
- 01.13.26 – An Exciting Career Update
- 01.12.26 – Lunch & Learn at Zov’s Bistro Focuses on Brain Health
- 01.11.26 – Dry January, Done Right at Khan Saab
- 01.08.26 – Strickland’s Ice Cream Celebrates 90 Years and Two Sweet Years in Costa Mesa
- 01.04.26 – THE DAILY HEALING Presents Healing House Lido
- 01.04.26 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 12.30.25 – Mastro’s Ocean Club Irvine Toasts the New Year With Zero-Proof Style
More Daily Doses
- 02.11.26 – Cozy Earth Presidents Day Sale Brings Big Savings and New Toile Pajamas
- 02.11.26 – OCVIBE Unveils Six New Bar and Lounge Concepts Coming to Katella Commons
- 02.05.26 – A Valentine’s Day Dining Guide at South Coast Plaza
- 02.05.26 – Hands-On Science Takes Center Stage in 2026
- 02.01.26 – Ralph Lauren Brings Shopping and Ralph’s Coffee Together in Newport Beach
- 01.31.26 – What’s Next at The CAMP
- 01.31.26 – Napa Rose to Reopen Feb. 6 at Disney’s Grand Californian
- 01.19.26 – Georgia’s Marks The Wiz at Segerstrom Center With a Special Family Meal
- 01.19.26 – Ignite Dance: 35 Years of Movement in Orange County
- 01.13.26 – Newport Beach Restaurant Week Returns Jan. 15–25
- 01.12.26 – Earlybird Flies Into The LAB With One-Pound Burritos
- 01.08.26 – FACE FOUNDRIÉ Makes Its Southern California Debut in Newport Beach
- 01.04.26 – Parlor Doughnuts Opens 100th Location in Huntington Beach
- 12.21.25 – Phantom: A Perfect Gift Idea
- 12.18.25 – Celebrate the Season at Pendry Newport Beach
- 12.18.25 – Inside Poppy’s, Anaheim’s New Go-To for California Cuisine
- 12.14.25 – Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes
- 12.11.25 – Butcher’s House Marks Four Years With New Fromage Menu
- 12.09.25 – Manolo Blahnik Opens First West Coast Boutique at South Coast Plaza
- 12.09.25 – ClubSport Debuts New High-End Recovery Amenities in Time for the Holiday Season
