Singer

Nominated for 13 Tony Awards® including “Best Musical,” and winning for “Best Original Score” and “Best Book of a Musical,” Ragtime makes its premiere to Toledo Opera audiences! Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, this musical tapestry depicts an African-American family, a Jewish family, and a wealthy white suburban family in turn-of-the-century New York. As they collide in pursuit of the American Dream, they discover the surprising interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice, and the unsettling consequences when dreams are permanently deferred. Ragtime is a powerful portrait of life at the turn-of-the-20th century, exploring America’s timeless contradictions of freedom and prejudice, wealth and poverty, hope and despair. Ragtime stars baritone Derrick Davis (Toledo Opera’s I Dream) as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Broadway soprano Raquel Suarez Groen as Mother, and baritone Joshua Jeremiah as Tateh. J. Ernest Green returns to Toledo to conduct, as James M. Norman brings this poignant musical to life.

EPSG:4326

Ragtime

Valentine Theatre

The world’s most celebrated love story finds new dimension in Charles Gounod’s classic retelling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.  Set in 15th century Verona, the deep and rapturous love between Romeo and Juliet rivals the longstanding feud between their families – the Montagues and the Capulets. Will these star-crossed lovers be able to endure their feuding kin or succumb to tragedy? From tender intimacy to ecstatic grandeur, Gounod’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s eternal drama comes to life in a cinematic-inspired production. Gounod’s lush, romantic opera will explore the fragility of innocence and youth in the face of political turmoil. Real life couple – and Toledo Opera audience favorites – Zach Borichevsky and Kathryn Lewek star as Romeo and Juliet. Maestro Adam Turner returns to Toledo to conduct as director James Mitchell brings this timeless tragedy to life.

Romeo & Juliet

Never before seen by Toledo Opera audiences, the beloved tale of Cinderella meets operatic delight in this Rossini hit. Based on the iconic children’s story, Angelina (Cinderella) sweeps the floors while her farcical stepsisters try on dresses, vying for the extremely eligible Prince Ramiro’s hand in marriage. With a twist of fate, Angelina meets Prince Ramiro. Charmed by her goodness, he knows he has found his soulmate. Amid household chaos, squabbling family members, and mistaken identities, Angelina’s honesty and forthrightness bring this story to its rightful and hilarious conclusion. Rossini’s charming take on the classic Cinderella story will delight audiences of all ages in this family-friendly opera. Cinderella stars mezzo-soprano Sarah Coit as Angelina, tenor David Walton as Prince Ramiro, and BGSU voice professor Keith Phares as Count Dandini.  Maestro Douglas Kinney Frost conducts Rossini’s sparkling score as director Marc Verzatt brings this enchanting story to life.

Cinderella (La Cenerentola)

Join us for a captivating radio broadcast of Des Moines Metro Opera's 2023 production of Bizet's beloved opera, "Carmen," on Iowa Public Radio. This special event marks the beginning of the Opera in October series, bringing the passion and drama of live opera into the comfort of your home.

Event Details:
- **Date and Time**: Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT
- **Location**: Tune in to your local IPR Classical radio station or stream online at IowaPublicRadio.org

This production of "Carmen" is performed in French and showcases the talents of a remarkable cast including Taylor Raven in the title role of Carmen, Matthew Cairns as Don José, Yunuet Laguna as Micaëla, and Christian Pursell as Escamillo, among others. Under the baton of Maestro Kelly Kuo, the DMMO Festival Orchestra will bring to life the vibrant score that has enchanted audiences worldwide.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of opera's most enduring stories of love, jealousy, and freedom. Mark your calendar and prepare to be transported by the power of opera.

Carmen on Iowa Public Radio

A rebel with a cause, the free-spirited Carmen lives boldly in her fiery pursuit of freedom. “Born free, she will die free,” Carmen sings, but sparks fly after an encounter with military officer Don José. When the smitten José leaves everything behind to be with Carmen, their passionate affair takes a sudden, dangerous turn after the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo catches Carmen’s eye. With its twisting tale of romance, intrigue and obsession set to the instantly recognizable melodies of Bizet, it’s no wonder Carmen is one of the world’s most popular and beloved operas

Carmen

Simpson College

Toledo Opera will host their annual fundraising Gala at the Toledo Club. The gala will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour. The concert will commence at 7:00 p.m., followed by a plated dinner prepared by the Toledo Club. Toledo Opera is thrilled to present an evening of songs and arias with the 2022-2023 Resident Artists: Sara Mortensen, soprano; Imara Miles, mezzo-soprano; Brendan Boyle, tenor; Matthew Payne, baritone, and Steven Naylor, piano. Co-Artistic Director and Head of Music Preparation Kevin Bylsma will serve as Master of Ceremonies and as accompanist.

Our singers will perform a variety of solo selections ranging from classical opera, to Broadway selections,  plus many more. They will be accompanied by both Kevin Bylsma and Steven Naylor.

Gala 2023

Toledo Club

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! The Merry Widow dances into our hearts with its beautiful melodies and witty storyline. Hanna Glawari is a vastly wealthy young widow from the small and poverty-stricken Balkan province of Pontevedro. Ambassador Baron Zeta is anxious that when Hanna re-marries, it is to a Pontevedrian and not a Frenchman, to keep her money in the country and save them all from ruin. J. Ernest Green conducts this bubbly delight while Jamie Offenbach and James M. Norman bring the light-hearted comedy to life. Starring as the merry widow is Alyson Cambridge (Toledo Opera’s Carmen) and BGSU voice professor Keith Phares as Count Danilo.

Imara Miles

Mezzo-soprano

Events

Past events

19 - 21 Apr, 2024

Ragtime · Toledo Opera

16 - 18 Feb, 2024

Romeo & Juliet · Toledo Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Tisbe in La Cenerentola by Rossini

Toledo Opera

Sarah in Ragtime by Flaherty

Toledo Opera

Gertrude in Roméo et Juliette by Gounod

Toledo Opera

Mercédès in Carmen by

Des Moines Metro Opera

About

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