Opera Maine Receives Grant From Macy's To Launch New Initiative Opera For All

Opera Maine is pleased to announce that it has received a $2,500 grant from Macy's to launch a new initiative, "Opera for All!" With this grant, Macy's will underwrite opera tickets for those who might otherwise be unable to attend a professional opera performance. Macy's support will provide 100 tickets to nonprofit agencies throughout the state to distribute to young Mainers ages 13 to 18, veterans, members of our immigrant communities, and others. The tickets are for Opera Maine's mainstage performance of The Marriage of Figaro this summer.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant from Macy's for Opera for All!," said Opera Maine's Executive Director Caroline Koelker. "This is a wonderful way for Opera Maine to achieve its mission of introducing opera to new audiences and educating them about this unique art form, while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The support from Macy's, and that of other businesses in the community, will enable us to launch this exciting new program."

"Macy's is committed to giving back to the communities in which our colleagues live and work," said Doug Lugenbeel, VP Store Manager of Macy's in South Portland. "We are most proud to support Opera Maine's new program which underwrites opera tickets for under-served populations of young people and others, including veterans. Creating and celebrating community are at the heart of what we stand for, and we are thrilled to give the gift of Opera Maine to new audiences."

Opera Maine will present The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on Wednesday, July 25 and Friday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Portland's Merrill Auditorium. This comic masterpiece will be sung in the original Italian with English supertitles. This is a perfect "first opera" for newcomers because it unites a fast-moving and hilarious plot with the sublime music of Mozart. Not only is it a seminal work in the history of opera, but it also addresses themes that remain relevant in the 21st century. For tickets, visit Porttix.com

For a complete list of nonprofits that will receive complimentary tickets, visit https://operamaine.com/events/opera-in-me/.

Founded in 1994, Opera Maine provides the only opportunity for residents and visitors to experience fully staged professional opera in Maine. Productions featuring talent from around the country, around the world and locally, come together to create an outstanding experience for all who attend. Now in its 24th season, Opera Maine, guided by a 14-member Board of Trustees with artistic leadership by Dona D. Vaughn, is nationally and internationally respected for its professionalism and superb operatic programming. For more information about Opera Maine's programs, visit operamaine.com or follow Opera Maine on Facebook.