‘Opera in the Park’ brings arias to Home Place Park

MADISON – “Opera in the Park” will share an entertainment genre new to Madison audiences at open-air concerts.

Opera in the Park will be a free, family-friendly performance at the new Home Place Park in Madison at 100 Shorter St. The concert will open at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20.

“Opera in the Park is truly a unique event here in Madison. Madison Visionary Partners or MVP is excited to partner with Opera Huntsville on this event,” MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said.

Important for MVP’s success “as a nonprofit are collaborative partnerships. MVP’s primary focus is on large, community projects, but we’re also committed to bringing events to Madison that enrich the quality of life here in our community,” Thornton said.

“When I met with Opera Huntsville’s Artistic and General Director Erin Huelskamp Bohn this summer, we both agreed that a joint event in Madison would not only introduce opera to new audiences, but it would be a great community engagement builder — in line with both MVP and Opera Huntsville’s missions,” Thornton said.

Performers will include Amanda Nelson and Dekendra Jackson, soprano; Josey Poppin, mezzo; Shane Kennedy, tenor; and Justin Colon, baritone. Accomplished pianist Christopher Powell will accompany the vocalists.

Music will include “Think of Me” and “Masquerade,” “Phantom of the Opera,” Andrew Lloyd Webber; “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici,” “La Traviata,” Giuseppe Verdi; “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” (Habanera), “Carmen,” Georges Bizet; “Les oiseaux dans la charmille” (The Doll Song) and “Belle nuit, o nuit d’amour” (Barcarolle), “Les contes d’Hoffmann,” Jacques Offenbach; “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “My Fair Lady,” Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe; “Faites lui mes aveux,” “Faust,” Charles Gounod; “Largo al factotum,” “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” Gioachino Rossini; “Avant de quitter ces lieux,” “Faust,” Charles Gounod; and other productions.

Food trucks will visit Home Place Park so audience members can buy a tasty treat or dinner. To-date, Get Loaded truck is confirmed, and Zion Gourmet Popcorn will sell outstanding snacks.

“We’re so grateful for the support of our sponsors: The Avenue, Offices of Spenryn and Accurate Machine and Tool Corporation. Because of the support of these companies, we can bring free and family-friendly events to Madison for the whole community to enjoy,” Thornton said.

Parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium with a short walk to Home Place Park.

“Whether you’re new to opera or a seasoned operagoer, audiences will enjoy the variety of performances from Opera Huntsville. Come early, bring a chair and enjoy a nice evening at Home Place Park,” Thornton said. “Join us to celebrate the power of community connections through amazing performances, beautiful music and good food.”

For more information, visit mvpmadison.org.