Opera meets the masses Jan 28 as Opera Carolina hosts a free performance of Madama Butterfly for first-time opera-goers throughout greater Charlotte. Knight Foundation has reserved all the seats for the Jan 28 performance and will be issuing free tickets to opera novices online from Dec 5-16.  Winners will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis and tickets will be distributed in early-January.

“Seeing Madama Butterfly is a wonderful reminder of how the arts can enrich our lives,” said Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation’s vice president/arts. “We hope first time opera goers in Charlotte will take us up on our offer of a free seat, and get a taste of all the opera has to offer.”

Opera Carolina’s Madama Butterfly at Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Jan 21, 26 and 29: Reserve tickets at 704.372.1000 or operacarolina.org; First time opera-goers can register for free tickets Dec 5-16 at win.operacarolina.org.