James Gill
The Madison Opera knows that few things compare to hearing music under the stars. The ensemble presents its 13th annual Opera in the Park concert at Garner Park on July 26 at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event has rippled with excitement in recent years, drawing nearly 14,000 attendees.
Featured artists include soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine, tenor Sean Panikkar, mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta and baritone Kelly Markgraf, along with the Madison Opera Chorus and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. They will perform selections from next season's main-stage operas, Fidelio, Sweeney Todd and The Barber of Seville.
Though the program is subject to change, general director Kathryn Smith says it currently includes selections from La Bohème, Carmen, Pagliacci and Don Carlo. The Broadway portion of the lineup includes classics by Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
In the event of rain, the concert will take place on July 27 at 8 p.m.