Opera Outdoors returns THIS WEDNESDAY

Published Monday, August 2, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2021

CONTACT: Alyssa Greenberg, Community Engagement Director, agreenberg@toledoopera.org

Opera Outdoors returns this week, new Toledo Opera resident artists to perform

Outdoor performances featuring Toledo Opera’s 2021-2022 resident artists to take place at Metroparks Toledo, Toledo Farmers’ Market, The Shops at Fallen Timbers, and Levis Commons; first performance is August 4

Toledo, OH—Toledo Opera announced its summer performance schedule for Opera Outdoors, a series of pop-up live performances at outdoor commercial, recreational, and community hubs throughout Toledo.

The summer series will feature the Opera’s new 2021-2022 cohort of resident artists, selected from an international pool of more than 150 applicants for a one-year residency in Toledo. Resident Artists Grace Wipfli (soprano), Katherine Kincaid (mezzo soprano), Fran Daniel Laucerica (tenor), Andrew Payne (baritone), and Mercy Olson (pianist) will perform iconic vocal selections from the classical repertoire, along with musical theater and other American standards.

“This Opera Outdoors series is the third installation of the program since its inception in September 2020, in response to the pandemic,” said Suzanne Rorick, executive director of the Toledo Opera. “Since then, it has become part of our core programming, and we are honored to work alongside our fantastic community partners to share engaging and accessible live music from the vocal repertoire with everyone.”

The performances are presented in partnership with several community organizations. Returning to the lineup are Metroparks Toledo and the Toledo Farmers’ Market. New to the series are The Shops at Fallen Timbers and The Guild of Artists & Artisans, organizer for the 17^th Annual Levis Commons Fine Art Fair. The first performance will take place Wednesday, August 4 at Metroparks Toledo’s Wildwood Manor House.

Opera Outdoors Schedule: Summer 2021

“Art in nature enhances people’s enjoyment and appreciation of both,” said Matthew Killam, chief of outreach and experiences for Metroparks Toledo. “The Manor House and Toledo Botanical Garden are beautiful, accessible venues where people can experience the tremendous talent of these Toledo Opera resident artists.”

“We love having Opera Outdoors performing at the Toledo Farmers’ Market again,” said Dan Madigan, executive director of the Farmers’ Market Association of Toledo. “With our diverse customer base, it is fantastic seeing customers’ faces filled with joy to hear music and stories that they may have never heard live before. The backdrop of the Swan Creek with the performances on the boardwalk make this venue unique and picturesque. We are honored to host this cultural event.”

This summer’s series is sponsored by Toledo.com. Logistical support for Opera Outdoors is provided by ProMedica.

“Once again, Toledo.com is proud to sponsor Toledo Opera’s upcoming Opera Outdoors series,” said John Eikost, editor of Toledo.com. “Encouraging people to explore the arts in all of its forms is a primary focus of our site. Opera Outdoors represents an easily accessible series with impressive performances that inspire the community. We appreciate that Toledo Opera has made these performances available to everyone. Be sure to make time to experience these amazing talents in fun places around our city.”

All events are free and open to the public. Events may be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, please contact Alyssa Greenberg, Community Engagement Director, at agreenberg@toledoopera.org, or visit toledoopera.org/community/opera-outdoors.

Toledo Opera Press Kit (includes full press release, artist bios, photos)

Photo credit: Bradley Piri & Justin Camuso-Stall