‘Opera Under the Stars’ to be held in Lexington
“Opera Under the Stars is an exciting new opportunity to experience Lexington’s top-notch vocal talent in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere,” Gray said. “Great cities have great arts communities, and that’s what we have in Lexington. Our artists, musicians, writers, dancers and singers light up our lives. And they also light up our city… arts equals jobs.”
The audience will enjoy several of opera’s greatest hits, including songs from La Traviata, The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and more. Singers scheduled to perform at Opera Under the Stars include sopranos Shareese Arnold and Gabrielle Barker; mezzo-soprano Sarah Klopfenstein; and tenors Jonathan Parham and Zackery Morris. Maris Deddens will accompany on piano. The performers are all alumni of the University of Kentucky’s acclaimed Opera Theatre program, which is attracting the nation’s best voices to Lexington.“Lexington has watched these singers grow and develop during their time at the University of Kentucky, and with regional opera companies,” said Patrick Joel Martin, event coordinator for Opera Under the Stars. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to support Lexington’s aspiring professionals.”
Opera Under the Stars is one of several events taking place this summer at MoonDance Amphitheater, which is located in the Beaumont neighborhood at 1152 Monarch St. The venue has also hosted Summer Nights in Suburbia, Big Band & Jazz, Southland Jamboree, and SummerFest. “There’s always something happening at MoonDance Amphitheater; it’s a terrific cultural asset and entertainment venue for Lexington families,” said 10th District Councilmember Amanda Mays Bledsoe.
Parks & Recreation Director Monica Conrad said Opera Under the Stars is modeled after the popular event Ballet Under the Stars, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary at Woodland Park. “Our cultural arts staff does a great job programming a wide variety of events that are free or low cost to the public,” Conrad added. “We hope Opera Under the Stars will be an annual event, something all people—ones who are familiar with opera and people who have never heard it before—can appreciate and enjoy.”
Opera Under the Stars is scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday August 8. (A rain date is planned for 7 p.m., Sunday, August 9.) Lawn chairs and/or blankets should be brought for seating at the amphitheater, and patrons may pack a picnic dinner or purchase from local food trucks. Admission is $5. Children age 3 & under are free.
Opened in 2010, MoonDance Amphitheater is a gift to the community from the Haymaker Development Company and the C.M. Gatton Trust. Opera Under the Stars is brought to you by Lexington Parks & Recreation and 88.9 WEKU /102.1 Classical FM.
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