The Opera in ME program offers an opportunity to capture the interest and support of summer visitors as well as permanent residents. The catchy name, Opera in ME, plays on the double meaning of “ME”: it is both the abbreviation for the state of Maine and a personal pronoun suggesting that opera resonates in each of us personally. The Opera in ME program will offer special events during the three months prior to PORTopera’s summer festival. These events will take place at locations within Portland where the public can experience
opera in familiar settings they frequent for business or pleasure.

The Opera in ME events will take place from May 2016 through July 2016, leading up to the company’s summer festival that features performances of Georges Bizet’s Carmen on July 27 and 29. Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn will direct prominent opera singers cast from around the country in a new, fully staged production of Carmen, presented in Portland’s 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium. The acclaimed Maestro Stephen Lord will conduct. Also as part of the summer festival, PORTopera Young Artists will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium in four performances at three different venues in greater Portland. They will be directed by Richard Gammon and Timothy Steele will be vocal coach and accompanist.

Timeline of Opera in MainE Activities
May 6 “A Night at the Opera”
June 26 “Opera in the Gallery”
Date T.B.D “Opera Spotlight” Rotary Club
Date T.B.D “FILMfest” Screening, St. Lawrence Arts
July 11 “Opera at the Mansion”
July 16 “Opera at the Ballpark”
Date T.B.D “Opera Spotlight” Cumberland Club

PORTopera Summer Festival Performances
July 13 Young Artist Program presents The Medium at Deertrees, Harrison, Maine
July 15 Young Artist Program presents The Medium at St. Lawrence Arts, Portland, Maine
July 17 Young Artist Program presents The Medium at Ocean Park, Old Orchard Beach, Maine
July 27 and 29 PORTopera presents Carmen at Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine