Virginia Opera, The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Private Bank, announce that the annual, free Opera in the Park concert will return to Norfolk’s Town Point Park on Saturday, Sep. 7 in conjunction with Festevents’ 2013 Season.
Virginia Opera President & CEO, Russell P. Allen commented: “Opera in the Park will be a great kick-off to the 2013-2014 Season. We are excited that Virginia Opera, with partners Wells Fargo, the City of Norfolk, the Virginia Symphony, and Festevents, is able to offer this terrific celebration of music under the stars for a fifth consecutive September.”
Opera in the Park has attracted upwards of 5,000 attendees each year. The event is open to the public of all ages and features a casual, picnic-style atmosphere. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for the following Sunday evening, at the same time.
Virginia Opera’s Resident Conductor Adam Turner will lead the cast and chorus of the Opera’s season opening production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff in a program featuring many of opera’s most beloved classics, including “The Toreador Song” from Carmen, “The Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre, and “Summertime” from The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra returns to provide musical accompaniment. Virginia Opera’s Community Musical Outreach Director, Dr. Glenn Winters—better known to audiences as Dr. Opera—will serve as emcee.
Turner reflects that “this concert provides Hampton Roads residents with a unique opportunity to experience opera outside of the opera house, under the glorious backdrop of nature, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere where they can be serenaded by some of our nation’s finest voices. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend with family and friends.”
Attendees will be able to pre-register for this year’s concert through Virginia Opera’s website. By doing so, each registrant will automatically be entered to win admission for four (4) to the Wells Fargo Private Bank VIP Tent. There, they can enjoy food and beverage provided by event partners The Sheraton Waterside Hotel, Chatham Vineyards, and Williamsburg Winery. Those interested may register online at www.vaopera.org/park or call the Virginia Opera Box Office at 1.866.OPERA.VA (1.866.673.7282), Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to register by phone.
Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic supplies, and coolers with non-alcoholic beverages. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase at the concert. Chatham Vineyards and Williamsburg Winery will have a selection of their wines available for purchase at the Park; and Hoffman Beverage will have local craft beer favorites on tap.
Virginia Opera will also be raffling off a large selection of prizes, including tickets to Virginia Opera performances and other local arts venues, and restaurant gift certificates. Parking for Opera in the Park will be available in conveniently-located Norfolk City garages. The Tide, Norfolk’s light rail system, also has stops within walking distance
Details regarding the concert program, sponsors, raffle prizes, and additional activities are available at the Opera’s website at www.vaopera.org/park. Additional venue information, including parking and park rules, is available by visiting www.festevents.org.