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Opera Modesto

Townsend Opera Announces New Name, New Season

A spectacular Opera Gala and Georges Bizet’s Carmen top the recently renamed company’s 35th season.

Modesto, California – September 12, 2018

Following on the heels of its successful 34th season, and to celebrate 35 consecutive years of bringing opera to Modesto and the region, Townsend Opera will become Opera Modesto.

The new name, which better reflects the company’s place in the community, was selected by the Board of Directors at a recent meeting. Board President Freda Motto said, “While we will never forget the massive contributions of our founder, Buck Townsend, the time has come to let the world know that we are the premier opera company in the Central Valley—and Modesto’s own.” The Board has considered changing the name of the company many times over the years since Buck’s passing in 2008, but never felt the time was quite right until now. “Buck always knew this needed to happen eventually, and he would be pleased to know that the Board has finally taken this important next step,” said Erika Townsend, Buck’s wife of many years and the company’s former business manager.

Townsend Opera will use this season to introduce its new name to the community, beginning with a grand celebration at its 35th Anniversary Gala in October. The Gala will bring together a variety of local and international opera singers to perform in concert in the Foster Family Theater of the Gallo Center for the Arts. Included in the program will be performances by the Townsend Opera orchestra and chorus and the Dance Factory, as well as a tribute to company founder Buck Townsend. The opera gala will be followed by a lavish reception for the audience in the lobby of the Gallo Center.

On May 3rd and 5th, 2019, the 35th season will conclude with a fully staged production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen in the Gallo Center’s Rogers Theater. This well-known opera, with its tale of passion gone wild, is filled with memorable melodies and Bizet’s glorious orchestrations. You are sure to leave the theater humming its unforgettable tunes.

About Opera Modesto: Founded in 1983 by Modesto native and international opera star Buck Townsend, Opera Modesto has become known for bringing nationally and internationally ranked singers and opera productions to Central Valley audiences. Opera Modesto is equally dedicated to enabling the finest local talent to share the stage with opera’s stars, as well as nurturing the next generation of singers through its TOP Young Artists programs including the Kristina Townsend Memorial Competition and Summer Opera Institute for young singers.

Georges Bizet’s Carmen
On May 3rd and 5th, 2019, the 35th season will conclude with a fully staged production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen in the Gallo Center’s Rogers Theater. This well-known opera, with its tale of passion gone wild, is filled with memorable melodies and Bizet’s glorious orchestrations. You are sure to leave the theater humming its unforgettable tunes.

Pre-show lecture 6:30pm, curtain 7:30pm, May 3rd, 2019
Pre-show lecture 1:00pm, curtain 2:00pm, May 5th, 2019
Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto CA
Tickets are available

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