Free 'Opera In The Park' Coming To Orinda

ORINDA, CA — "Opera in the Park," a free, annual event that typically draws crowds of 1,000-plus, is booked Thursday, June 16 at Orinda's Community Park.

The performance, featuring artists performing hits from opera and musical theatre, is hosted by the Rotary Club of Orinda and Festival Opera, an organization intent on bringing opera from theaters stages to community venues.

“We are thrilled to be taking opera to the people in a casual setting with no walls or barriers, where our communities can access a sampling of this incredible art form on their own terms,” said Zachary Gordin, Festival Opera's general and artistic director.

This year marks the 12th annual performance in Orinda, which is well-suited for audiences of all ages, according to organizers.

"This Opera in the Park performance is a fine way to introduce children to opera, friends who are opera-curious, or people who have no idea that they already know and connect with so much of the music," Gordin said.

The program's artists are from such recognized opera and symphony organizations as the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, LA Opera and Opera San José, Gordin said. Singers will be accompanied by pianist Chun Mei Wilson.

“We’re fortunate to have the artistic resources to bring established artists from around the U.S. to create our mainstage productions with the highest artistic and musical standards,” said Gordin, who will serve as master of ceremonies for the concert, offering witty commentary on the music performed.

And that means the audience won’t need translations to follow the show, and acting done by the artists will fill in the rest.

The June 16 performance will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda.

Parking and admission are free, and the event is handicap-accessible.

Support for the concert was provided by City of Orinda Parks and Recreation, Realtors Melanie Snow and Pablo Tiscareno and Village Associates Realty, organizers said.

For more information, follow this link.

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