Michigan Opera Theatre Launches 2021 Season of Opera in the Park in Detroit

This Friday, at Balduck Park, Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) will be offering its first installment of Opera in the Park. MOT has partnered with the City of Detroit to provide free, one-hour serenades at various Detroit parks throughout the summer. 

“The story of the operas are our stories … when you put great art up, we see ourselves reflected in that art … With the pandemic that hasn’t been possible indoors.” –Arthur White, Michigan Opera Theatre

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of MOT, as well as the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Detroit Opera House.  

Listen: Michigan Opera Theatre is offering live performances with Opera in the Park.

Guests

Arthur White is the director of external affairs for Michigan Opera Theatre. He says in-person opera performances are highly anticipated after a year of pandemic restrictions. “The story of the operas are our stories … when you put great art up, we see ourselves reflected in that art,” he says. “With the pandemic that hasn’t been possible indoors.” 

“Opera is at its best when it stirs the emotions,” White continues. “So we’re excited to get back to performing in-person.” 

Brad Dick is the group executive for services and infrastructure with the City of Detroit. He emphasizes the importance of bringing cultural content to Detroit parks. “I’ll never forget my first exposure to opera … seeing something so dramatic and exciting. It had a big impact on me and I want that same impact for Detroit,” he says. “I think it’s important that we see all kinds of diverse programming.”

Web post written by Molly Ryan