Wildwood series airs out the sound of opera

Toledo Opera's 2024-25 resident artists, from left, Sarah Rachel Bacani, Emily Cotten, rady DelVecchio, Robbie Raso, and Alessandro (Alex) Rotundo.

From TOLEDO OPERA

Opera Outdoors returns this September with weekly performances on Wednesdays at Wildwood Preserve Metropark. 

The first performance presented by the Toledo Opera will take place on the front lawn at the Manor House at Wildwood Preserve Metropark on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather,  the performance will be moved indoors to the Manor House. Lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets are recommended. Perforrmances will also be held on Sept. 18 and 25 also at 6 p.m.

Opera Outdoors is a series of pop-up live performances at outdoor commercial, recreational, and community hubs throughout Toledo. The upcoming fall series will feature the Opera’s 2024-2025 cohort of resident artists, selected from an international pool of more than 150 applicants for a one-year residency in Toledo. 

Resident Artists Sarah Rachel Bacani (soprano), Emily Cotten (mezzo-soprano), Brady DelVecchio (tenor), Robbie Raso (baritone), and Alessandro “Alex” Rotundo (pianist) will perform iconic vocal selections from the classical repertoire, along with musical theater and other American standards.

For Toledo Opera General Director, James M. Norman, Opera Outdoors is an opportunity to share the company’s passion for rising artists with members of the greater Toledo region: “We are very excited to again partner with Metroparks Toledo to bring professional singing to the Toledo Community. Sharing our Resident Artists’ talent with the region is a joy and a large reason that Toledo Opera continues to thrive.”

“Music in nature is a beautiful combination,” said Scott Carpenter, director of public relations for Metroparks Toledo. “Seeing the Toledo Opera perform at Wildwood Preserve, with the Manor House as the backdrop, is a memorable experience whether you are enjoying the concert from a lawn chair or passing by on an evening walk.”

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit toledoopera.org.