News

What a fabulous event! Sunday, June 9th turned out to be be a hot summer day, but it was shady under the Jacaranda Trees at our Benefit Dinner & Auction.

Thank you to everyone who made this event such a special evening; all who worked hard both behind and in front of the scenes.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of our guests! You made the evening special. Thank you for your generosity and your support. We look forward to seeing you soon at the opera or a concert. Or just drop by the office for a chat. Thanks again, everyone.

Opera Modesto is pleased to announce its new General & Artistic Director: Roy Stevens

Modesto, California – October 5, 2018

Roy Stevens is a Modesto native and has been an international opera singer since his 1987 professional debut in Italy. His career includes leading performance in theaters and with symphony orchestras in over 20 countries, on 5 continents and in 14 languages; from the national theaters of Taiwan, Columbia and Guatemala to Milano’s famed Teatro Alla Scala. He has progressively moved towards active roles as Producer, Organizer and Casting Director, leading major international operatic productions in Albania, Panama and Nepal, as well as organizing other large scale events.

Roy and his wife, Annalisa Winberg, are also very proud of their work as inspirational performing arts/opera based educators through their AmazingVox School Residencies. They have had the privilege to touch the educational lives of more than a half a million young Americans.

Throughout his international career, Roy returned home to appear with Opera Modesto, formerly Townsend Opera, with six appearances from 1985 to 2018. Since January 2018, he has assisted the opera company, pro bono, as Artistic Consultant/Acting General Director helping in the turnaround of Opera Modesto’s fortunes.

In addition, he led the re-establishment of the educational programs, creating the first annual Summer Opera Institute, an intense and highly successful training program for 25 regional teens, 13-18. As he moves into the position of General & Artistic Director of Opera Modesto, he looks forward to continuing to fulfill Buck Townsend’s dream of high quality opera in Modesto and the Central Valley, now in its 35th season.

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 3^rd and 5^th, 2019, the 35^th 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 3^rd, 2019
Pre-show lecture 1:00pm, curtain 2:00pm, May 5^th, 2019
Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto CA
Tickets are available

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 34^th 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 35^th 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 3^rd and 5^th, 2019, the 35^th 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 3^rd and 5^th, 2019, the 35^th 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 3^rd, 2019
Pre-show lecture 1:00pm, curtain 2:00pm, May 5^th, 2019
Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto CA
Tickets are available