Magical, operatic and fabulous.

The Cincinnati arts scene delivers yet again.

Earlier this year, my office Social Committee put me in charge of our office ArtsWave campaign, an annual fundraising effort to support the arts in Cincinnati. Apparently, most of the major organizations -- as well as generous residents -- in Cincinnati participate to fund the theatre initiatives, symphony, opera, art museums, etc., so they can live to entertain another year. Seeing as how I'm new to the city, and new to the Social Committee, I don't think I was the best fit for the job, but I did my best and we raised a nice sum for the campaign.

As a little bonus, ArtsWave generously donated tickets to a few shows and galleries, which I used as promotional tools for the campaign. I was a little jealous as I raffled off tickets to Mozart's The Magic Flute, because I was desperate to go. One of my fabulous colleagues knew this, and after he won, graciously offered the tickets to me for my hard work on the campaign, and because he knows I love opera. Of course, I accepted!

I decided to take Jess with me so we could have an early celebration of our Cincinnati one-year anniversaries, and the evening couldn't have been any better, mostly because the opera was phenomenal.

This was my second trip to Music Hall, the first being for Idina Menzel, and it is still as breathtaking as I remembered. It's impossible to not feel transported as you take in the ornate crystal chandeliers and incredible, colorful painting on the walls. It's a beautiful place, and clearly loved by the people of Cincinnati -- because this is a city that loves the arts.

There weren't many open seats on this opening night, and I was surprised and glad to see a fair number of families with children attending the event. The Cincinnati Opera had advertised the show with the tagline: "Make it your first opera," and it's safe to say people took it to heart.

The Magic Flute is a fantastical story with looming sets, colorful costumes, funny characters and Lion King-esque props, so it's no surprise that even the kids made it through the three-hour show. The cast even threw in a couple odes to Cincinnati, if you will, in shockingly un-cheesy and funny references to Skyline and goetta.

Although The Magic Flute's run was short, it was a perfect introduction to the Cincinnati Opera. They're already promoting next season's lineup, which includes Porgy & Bess, La Traviata and Gianni Schicchi. I've already started saving my pennies to spring for season tickets, and am even considering joining the Young Professionals group sponsored by the opera (I know, my nerd factor just keeps on growing). Cincinnati's art scene is one to be admired, and I'm excited to see what's coming next.