PORTopera Announces Cookbook Debut During 2008 Season

portopera announces cookbook debut during the 2008 season PORTLAND, Maine ’Äì PORTopera's first cookbook, Cucina del Bel Canto, will be available during the production of Romˆ©o et Juliette on July 24 and 26 at Portland's Merrill Auditorium. Cucina del Bel Canto includes over 500 recipes gathered from area chefs, foodies, singers and board members. "Cooking is like making music. Put all the right notes together and you have perfect harmony. Apply the same concept to Cucina del Bel Canto's many wonderful recipes and Ecco la, a great dish!," said PORTopera cookbook committee chair Angela LeBlanc. The cookbook is filled with stunning images of past PORTopera productions by photographer Martha Mickles and the book design features a useful built-in easel. The cookbook is underwritten by Selma Pluznick and the Oscar Pluznick Foundation. This limited edition print run will retail for $24.95; only 500 copies are available. A second volume will follow in the future. To pre-order copies contact Angela LeBlanc at 207-985-1975. PORTopera is in its 14th season. Tickets for the July 24 and 26 performances of Romˆ©o et Juliette are available online at www.porttix.com, by phone, (207) 842-0800, or in person at the 20 Myrtle Street box office in Portland, Maine between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PORTopera is Maine's only opera company performing fully staged operas with nationally and internationally acclaimed singers.