Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has something to sing about! The Monsanto Fund recently awarded the theater company a $90,000 grant for two programs: Monsanto Artists in Training, which offers college-level voice lessons to high-schoolers, and Opera on the GO!, an educational touring program with workshops and presentations for area students.

Maiden Voyage, a Manchester bridal store, will be in the spotlight next month. Randy Fenoli, host of the popular TLC program, Say Yes to the Dress, will be at the shop Nov. 4 and 5 to debut his 2018 bridal gown designs and host a trunk show. Brides-to-be can view and try on dresses by appointment. Maiden Voyage was the only Midwestern store chosen to host Fenoli on his national tour.

Paging all St. Louis fiction fans … The New York Times bestselling author Hallie Ephron will appear Nov. 2 at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex to talk about her new suspense novel, You’ll Never Know, Dear. She’s the sister of fellow writers Delia and the late Nora Ephron.

Let the holiday shopping season begin. Strut! Seasonal Collective, a designer pop-up shop, is open at The Boulevard shopping center through Dec. 31. It features apparel, shoes, jewelry, art and home furnishings. Brands include Claire Flowers (pictured), KayOss Designs, and Willow and Shea.

the main events
Renowned pianists Paolo Alderighi and Stephanie Trick are set to perform at The Innsbrook Institute’s Fall Gala OCT. 27. The husband and wife duo live in Kirkwood and are known for their jazz duet arrangements. The gala will be held at Innsbrook Resort’s Aspen Center.

Arlene Lilie Interior Design in Ladue is hosting a private sale of fashions designed by Anna Trzebinsky and made by Kenyan artisans using materials from around the world. The sale runs NOV. 2 THROUGH 4 and benefits Lift for Life Academy.

Saint Louis Ballet kicks off its 2017-2018 season with Giselle, NOV. 3 THROUGH 5 at the Touhill Center for the Performing Arts. The new season also features The Nutcracker, Love Stories and more.