OPERA DAY IN THE BAY to Unite 13 Companies for Free Outdoor Concert
Composer Carla Lucero will emcee the free concert, dedicated to the memory of soprano Erie Mills.
A cohort of thirteen Northern California opera companies and producers have joined forces to present Opera Day in the Bay, an unprecedented collaborative concert celebrating the richness, diversity, and enduring power of opera. The free public performance will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. in the majestic Transamerica Pyramid Center Redwood Park at the base of San Francisco's iconic Transamerica Pyramid Center, featuring music spanning more than several centuries—from Baroque-era masterpieces of the 17th century to compelling contemporary and newly created operas.
Participating organizations include Ars Minerva, Festival Opera, GK Works LLC, Lamplighters Music Theatre, Livermore Valley Opera, Mercury Theater, Opera Parallèle, Opera San José, Pocket Opera, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, San Francisco Opera Guild, Upspark Productions, and West Edge Opera.
From the rustic outdoor stage, internationally acclaimed Bay Area composer Carla Lucero will serve as the concert emcee. The performance will also honor the life and extraordinary legacy of beloved soprano, educator, and mentor, the late-Erie Mills, whose artistry and leadership left an indelible mark on the Bay Area opera community and the international operatic stage.
Each participating company will curate a selection of music showcasing its unique artistic voice. Complete program details, along with featured singers, musicians, and repertoire, will be announced in early September. While admission is free, the public is encouraged to reserve tickets in advance via Eventbrite online. It is recommended the public should enter the park at 545 Sansome Street, between Washington and Clay Streets.
Céline Ricci, Producer of Opera Day in the Bay, Founder of Ars Minerva and Program Director at 836M Arts Organization, said, "Opera Day in the Bay exists because an extraordinary community of artists and organizations embraced the spirit of collaboration and shared a vision that transcends any single company. Every participating organization enthusiastically said 'yes' to creating something larger than ourselves—a celebration of opera that belongs to everyone.”
Ricci continued, “We are equally grateful to the Transamerica Pyramid Center management for opening the spectacular Redwood Park as the home for this inaugural event. Seeing our opera community unite with such generosity, creativity, and purpose has been deeply inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming audiences from across the Bay Area to experience this remarkable celebration together."
Bay Area independent opera producer Cheryl Blalock said, "Erie Mills was a remarkable artist, visionary educator, artistic director of Livermore Valley Opera, and passionate advocate whose influence shaped generations of singers and enriched the cultural life of the Bay Area. During her distinguished international career, she captivated audiences as a brilliant coloratura soprano at San Francisco Opera and many of the world's leading opera houses.”
“She also broke new ground as the first singer elected to the Board of OPERA America and as a respected professor of music at San José State University,” commented Blalock. “It is with profound gratitude and affection that we dedicate Opera Day in the Bay to her memory."
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