Presented as part of the SIUE Arts & Issues Series

Following a spectacular debut outdoors in 2021, Opera Edwardsville returns to its summer stage at Edwardsville City Park on September 30, 2022 at 7:30pm for a free community concert of operatic highlights in celebration of OE’s 5th Anniversary Season. Enjoy stars of the opera under the starry night sky for this open air concert!

Guest artists include sopranos Emily Birsan and Sofia Troncoso, mezzo-soprano Emily Fons, tenors Eric Ferring and Matthew Newlin, baritone Robert Mellon, with accompaniment provided by pianist and 2022 OE Artist-in-Residence Joseph Welch. Cellist Marie Brown joins Grammy Award-winning soprano and OE Artistic Advisor Christine Brewer, who will make a special guest appearance in celebration of OE’s 5th Anniversary.

OE Founder and Artistic Director Chase Hopkins will emcee the concert, providing explanations, fun facts, and context for the musical selections. The musical program introduces some of opera’s favorite love stories. In part one of the program, we see the many ways in which characters meet, and fall in love. In part two of the program, we find out what happens next: For some it’s happily ever after, and for others, well, it’s opera… they don’t all make it! This program features the full dramatic range of opera from dramatic deaths to heartfelt comedy through gorgeous arias, duets, trios, and ensembles brought to life by OE’s extraordinarily talented lineup of guest artists.

Audiences are encouraged to bring their picnics and lawn chairs to enjoy this open-air concert at Edwardsville City Park. Additionally, Opera Edwardsville has partnered with the chef at Cleveland Heath to prepare a signature cocktail and pre-performance dinner entree in celebration of OE’s 5th anniversary that will be on special at Cleveland Heath’s restaurant just a minute’s walk from City Park and the performance: 106 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

OE's customary champagne reception is planned at the Edwardsville Public Library for 2022 Season Sponsors and Donors, with a champagne toast hosted by Cleveland Heath and an artist meet-and-greet.

The musical program features selections from Verdi’s La Traviata, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, Rossini’s La Cenerentola and Il barbiere di Siviglia, Delibes’ Lakmé, Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers, and more.

This event will feature state-of-the-art amplification provided by Chicago’s Aphorism Studios, led by audio engineer Dan Nichols, named Person of the Year in Classical Music by the Chicago Tribune in 2021 for digital collaborations with arts organizations throughout the pandemic.

This event is free for the entire public to enjoy thanks to OE's 2022 Season Sponsors and Donors. OE would like to recognize 2022 presenting Sponsors: The Rotary Club of Edwardsville, the City of Edwardsville, Lewis Rice, and Stifel, and the Schmidt and Barton Family Fund. Additional support comes from 222 Artisan Bakery, Hortica, the Bank of Madison County, the SIYAO Vocal Competition and Tessitura Music. Special thanks to the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, Edwardsville Public Library, Cleveland Heath and Scott Evers Photography.

Featuring:

Emily Birsan, Soprano

Sofia Troncoso, Soprano

Emily Fons, Mezzo-soprano

Eric Ferring, Tenor

Matthew Newlin, Tenor

Robert Mellon, Baritone

With accompaniment by:

Joseph Welch, pianist and OE Artist-in-Residence

With special guest appearance in celebration of OE’s 5th Anniversary by:

Christine Brewer, Grammy Award-winning soprano and OE Artistic Advisor

Marie Brown, cello