Light Opera of Portland, the metro area’s only dedicated Gilbert & Sullivan opera company, are taking their next production on the road this summer! A new staging of Iolanthe will be opening at the Brunish Theatre in downtown Portland in June, before heading west to perform at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre in July and August.

Iolanthe, originally performed in 1882, tells the story of Strephon and Phyllis, two young shepherds engaged to be married. There are only two small problems; Phyllis is a Ward of Chancery, and cannot marry without the Lord Chancellor’s permission, while Strephon is secretly half a fairy (his legs are mortal) on his mother’s side! Strephon’s mother, Iolanthe, was banished for the crime of marrying a mortal, but is pardoned by the Fairy Queen and reunites with her sisters, and her son. The Lord Chancellor and the entire House of Lords (who are all in love with Phyllis themselves) arrive, but Phyllis rejects their offers of wealth and privilege for a life of simple honesty with the poor shepherd she loves.

Unfortunately, Phyllis and the Peers encounter Strephon and his mother Iolanthe, who being a fairy looks like a young maiden, and the Peers convince Phyllis that Strephon is unfaithful. Strephon calls on the fairies for help, and the Fairy Queen threatens revenge on the Peers by sending Strephon into Parliament with magical powers to pass any bill he wishes, including forcing the Peers to actually do their work instead of slacking off, and making it possible for common people to become nobles by passing a competitive examination!

Iolanthe features beautiful music by Sullivan as he references Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Handel, and Gilbert’s topsy-turvy satire takes aim at the pompous yet ineffectual political classes. Written at the height of their collaboration, it is widely considered to be one of their greatest comic operas.

Performances will take place at the Brunish Theatre June 28th – 30th, and at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre July 19th – August 4th. For more information visit http://www.lightoperaofportland.org, or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LightOperaOfPortland/ or on Instagram at @lightoperapdx

Iolanthe is directed by Light Opera of Portland’s Artistic Director Laurence Cox, Music Director Reece Sauve, and Producer Sara Rivara.

Join Susan McBerry’s Periwinkle Studios for New Wave Opera’s company launch and fundraiser: Summer Splash. This all-ages backyard concert features tuneful opera arias, duets, and art songs by living composers, some of whom live in your own backyard! Plus, hear the world premiere of Kimberly Osberg’s downright punderful opera trio, If You Cheese!

Snacks & drinks of the adult and child-friendly varieties both provided.

Featured Repertoire:

The performance will feature selections by Melissa Dunphy & Nikita Gill, Gabriela Lena Frank’s setting of Andean folk poetry, Monica Chew & Sandra Flores-Strand, William Bolcom, Jake Heggie, Portland’s own Dianne Davies & Lisa Neher, and more.

How can a cook win a baking competition when she’s lost her sense of smell? Will wedding preparations ever be perfect for the ultimate Bridezilla? And just what are all those squirrels in your backyard up to? Find out at Summer Splash! Plus, hear the World Premiere of Kimberly Osberg’s comic pun-filled opera trio, “If you cheese!”

Cast:
Lindsey Rae Johnson, soprano
Lisa Neher, mezzo
Allison Kim-Yok Knotts, mezzo
Stephen Lewis, piano ​

RSVP: https://www.newwaveopera.org/contact.html

Saturday, July 27 at 5pm

Highlighting the rich history of Spanish music, this special concert explores everything from Zarzuela, a uniquely Spanish form of Operetta, to salon music, art song, and the iconically Spanish idiom of flamenco.

Classical artists Jessica Blau (mezzo-soprano), Sydney Anderson (soprano), Katherine Ciscon (piano), and flamenco artists Brenna McDonald (guitar), Yeshe Wingard (voice), and Melissa Cruz (dance) come together to explore these different musical styles as they put their own spin on classic favorites.

Lawn chairs and enjoyment are heartily encouraged. Don’t miss this evening of music and dance that celebrates all that Spain has to offer! Free and open to the public.

Light Opera of Portland, the metro area’s only dedicated Gilbert & Sullivan opera company, are taking their next production on the road this summer! A new staging of Iolanthe will be opening at the Brunish Theatre in downtown Portland in June, before heading west to perform at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre in July and August.

Iolanthe, originally performed in 1882, tells the story of Strephon and Phyllis, two young shepherds engaged to be married. There are only two small problems; Phyllis is a Ward of Chancery, and cannot marry without the Lord Chancellor’s permission, while Strephon is secretly half a fairy (his legs are mortal) on his mother’s side! Strephon’s mother, Iolanthe, was banished for the crime of marrying a mortal, but is pardoned by the Fairy Queen and reunites with her sisters, and her son. The Lord Chancellor and the entire House of Lords (who are all in love with Phyllis themselves) arrive, but Phyllis rejects their offers of wealth and privilege for a life of simple honesty with the poor shepherd she loves.

Unfortunately, Phyllis and the Peers encounter Strephon and his mother Iolanthe, who being a fairy looks like a young maiden, and the Peers convince Phyllis that Strephon is unfaithful. Strephon calls on the fairies for help, and the Fairy Queen threatens revenge on the Peers by sending Strephon into Parliament with magical powers to pass any bill he wishes, including forcing the Peers to actually do their work instead of slacking off, and making it possible for common people to become nobles by passing a competitive examination!

Iolanthe features beautiful music by Sullivan as he references Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Handel, and Gilbert’s topsy-turvy satire takes aim at the pompous yet ineffectual political classes. Written at the height of their collaboration, it is widely considered to be one of their greatest comic operas.

Performances will take place at the Brunish Theatre June 28th – 30th, and at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre July 19th – August 4th. For more information visit http://www.lightoperaofportland.org, or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LightOperaOfPortland/ or on Instagram at @lightoperapdx

Iolanthe is directed by Light Opera of Portland’s Artistic Director Laurence Cox, Music Director Reece Sauve, and Producer Sara Rivara.

Light Opera of Portland, the metro area’s only dedicated Gilbert & Sullivan opera company, are taking their next production on the road this summer! A new staging of Iolanthe will be opening at the Brunish Theatre in downtown Portland in June, before heading west to perform at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre in July and August.

Iolanthe, originally performed in 1882, tells the story of Strephon and Phyllis, two young shepherds engaged to be married. There are only two small problems; Phyllis is a Ward of Chancery, and cannot marry without the Lord Chancellor’s permission, while Strephon is secretly half a fairy (his legs are mortal) on his mother’s side! Strephon’s mother, Iolanthe, was banished for the crime of marrying a mortal, but is pardoned by the Fairy Queen and reunites with her sisters, and her son. The Lord Chancellor and the entire House of Lords (who are all in love with Phyllis themselves) arrive, but Phyllis rejects their offers of wealth and privilege for a life of simple honesty with the poor shepherd she loves.

Unfortunately, Phyllis and the Peers encounter Strephon and his mother Iolanthe, who being a fairy looks like a young maiden, and the Peers convince Phyllis that Strephon is unfaithful. Strephon calls on the fairies for help, and the Fairy Queen threatens revenge on the Peers by sending Strephon into Parliament with magical powers to pass any bill he wishes, including forcing the Peers to actually do their work instead of slacking off, and making it possible for common people to become nobles by passing a competitive examination!

Iolanthe features beautiful music by Sullivan as he references Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Handel, and Gilbert’s topsy-turvy satire takes aim at the pompous yet ineffectual political classes. Written at the height of their collaboration, it is widely considered to be one of their greatest comic operas.

Performances will take place at the Brunish Theatre June 28th – 30th, and at Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre July 19th – August 4th. For more information visit http://www.lightoperaofportland.org, or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LightOperaOfPortland/ or on Instagram at @lightoperapdx

Iolanthe is directed by Light Opera of Portland’s Artistic Director Laurence Cox, Music Director Reece Sauve, and Producer Sara Rivara.

Join us for our first-ever HDCM Celebrity Recital, showcasing the incredible talent of one of America’s foremost violinists Stefan Jackiw!

Captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with impeccable technique, Stefan is hailed for playing of “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity” (Boston Globe). He will be making his Central Oregon debut and you won’t want to miss this chance to kick off High Desert Chamber Music’s 17th season!

Join Stefan and Central Oregon Daily for a pre-concert talk about the program beginning at 3:15pm. This concert preview is free for all ticket holders.

Program: Part Fratres, Handel Largo and Allegro from Sonata No.4 Op.1 No.13, Prokofiev: Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Tao All I Had Forgotten or Tried To, Brahms Sonata No.1 in G Major

Tickets available through HDCM by phone or online. Come hear the music!

Sunday, July 28 at 7pm

Highlighting the rich history of Spanish music, this special concert explores everything from Zarzuela, a uniquely Spanish form of Operetta, to salon music, art song, and the iconically Spanish idiom of flamenco.

Classical artists Jessica Blau (mezzo-soprano), Sydney Anderson (soprano), Katherine Ciscon (piano), and flamenco artists Brenna McDonald (guitar), Yeshe Wingard (voice), and Melissa Cruz (dance) come together to explore these different musical styles as they put their own spin on classic favorites.

Lawn chairs and enjoyment are heartily encouraged. Don’t miss this evening of music and dance that celebrates all that Spain has to offer! Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, July 30 at 6pm

We’re excited to bring the Opera a la Cart truck to the Fox Park Pavilion grass area, outside the Molalla Public Library. Pack a picnic, bring your blankets and chairs, and join us for a beautiful evening of music al fresco. This event series is free and open to the public.

Inspired by Portland’s food cart culture, Opera a la Cart is a mobile performance venue that brings live opera performance directly into the community spaces where people gather. Designed and built by architecture students at Portland State University, the cart features a fold-out stage and a “menu” of operatic specials of the day to be sung by local artists.

Join former All Classical Portland Young Artist Ambassador and current Curtis Institute of Music fellow Ben Price and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA pianist Michael C. Liu, M.D. in an exploration of 20th and 21st century music for the oboe and the piano. Each piece highlights a different type of emotional journey humanity can be taken on, be it love, loss, or acceptance (or perhaps a mixture of all three). See how these composers create inimitable textures and vibrant soundscapes to achieve their creative visions.

Program:
Marina Dranishnikova – Poeme (1953)
Althea Talbot-Howard – The Door of No Return (2021)
~intermission~
David Maslanka – Sonata for Oboe and Piano (1992)