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Portland Opera’s BIG NIGHT Concert Kicks Off Season on High Note

Laura Salerno-Owens and Portland Opera Ambassador Board Member David Salerno-Owens at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.

Portland, OR. The Portland Opera’s Big Night Concert featured a full orchestra, chorus, and guest artists from the 2018 season performing some of opera’s greatest hits. Arias from Verdi, Mozart, Rossini, and Bizet filled the Keller Auditorium during the April 14th kick-off celebration. Opera supporters like Laura Salerno-Owens and Portland Opera Ambassador Board Member David Salerno-Owens walked the red carpet to the music of live pianist Phil Mandel. (Photo credit, Trace Downen)

Portland Opera Board Member Dr. Dolores and Dr. Fernando Leon with their granddaughters Quinn and Carling at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.

Portland Opera Board Member Robert Ball and Grant Jones at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Garrett Downen.

Joe and Holly Mueller at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.

Baritone Stephen Powell and tenor Barry Banks after the Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.

Big Night 2018 attracted music lovers of all ages.

Portland Opera’s Big Night Concert filled the Keller.

Eight featured artists took the stage for the Big Night Concert. Photo by Cory Weaver/Portland Opera.

Here is information on the 2018 season:

RIGOLETTO/Verdi
May 4, 6, 10 , 12, 2018 | Keller Auditorium

Grand opera returns to Portland this spring, with a traditional production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Powerhouse baritone Stephen Powell is the jester cursed with a father’s anguish in this enduring masterpiece from 1851.

FAUST/Gounod
June 8, 10, 14 , 16, 2018 | Keller Auditorium

Lyricism and legend converge with the devil in this timeless and new vision of Gounod’s epic, infused with the visual art of John Frame. Rising international opera star Angel Blue makes her Portland Opera debut as Marguerite to Jonathan Boyd’s Faust.

LA CENERENTOLA/Rossini
July 13, 15, 19 , 21, 25, 28, 2018 | Newmark Theatre

Join us for a storybook tale about true love and generosity of spirit, directed by Christopher Mattaliano. This new production of Rossini’s classic opera will glitter as brightly as Cinderella’s royal ball gown.

ORFEO ED EURIDICE/Gluck
July 27, 29, 31 , Aug 2, 4, 2018 | Newmark Theatre

Revisit one of the oldest stories ever told in this mythological journey to the underworld. With thousands of role petals, a full chorus, and a ballet, we’ll witness the transformative power of love and music and Gluck’s celebrated opera.

More information on the Portland Opera website: www.portlandopera.org

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.