San Diego Opera rising from the ashes in 50th anniversary gala

Graduate from Emory University, Christie Grimstad has been a Type 1 diabetic for over 39 years and is an accomplished endurance athlete (completing Ironman Hawaii, Eco Challenge, double centuries) and motivational speaker. Christie’s early age piano compositions led him into becoming a self-taught artist. Art subjects include pointillism surrounding opera and classical music and recycled three dimensional works with exhibition venues in Laguna Beach, Balboa Island and Newport Beach. An avid backpacker, cyclist, swimmer and runner, Christie supplements his current interests with learning of the Bournonville ballet technique. Christie has been a classical music critic for over 11 years.