The winners of this year’s raffle are…
1st Prize of $2,000: Leslie Suthers
2nd Prize of $1,000: Joyce Hirsch
3rd Prize of Madison Opera Season Subscription for Two: Kathleen Goodall
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who participated!
Opera in the Park 2024
Saturday, July 20 at 8pm
(rain date: Sunday, July 21 at 8pm)
Free
For over 20 years, Opera in the Park has been the epitome of Madison Opera’s place in our community. Garner Park comes alive with music and light sticks, as soloists share their favorite opera and musical theater numbers, along with the Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra.
Join us as we celebrate the power of connection through beautiful performances, beautiful music, and a beautiful night.
Opera in the Park 2024 stars soprano Katerina Burton, mezzo-soprano Emily Fons, tenor Joshua Sanders, and baritone Weston Hurt, along with the Madison Opera Chorus and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, all conducted by John DeMain.
Find this summer’s repertoire here.
Garner Park opens at 7am on the day of the concert. Blankets, tarps, and picnics are all welcome!
Weather: If we think there is a likelihood of inclement weather, we will make an announcement no later than 5pm on the day of the concert and post it on our website and via social media. If we must postpone the Saturday performance, the concert will take place on Sunday at 8pm.
Support Opera in the Park! All donations to the Opera in the Park Fund; all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar by generous friends of Madison Opera. Donations can be made online here.
Scroll down to find out about parking, the raffle, merchandise, and other frequently-asked questions.
Opera in the Park
July 20, 2024
Raindate: Sunday, July 21, 2024
Garner Park
FREE
Artists
![Burton, Katerina_PCFayFox Burton, Katerina_PCFayFox](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Burton-Katerina_PCFayFox-250x300.jpg)
Katerina Burton, soprano
![Fons, Emily-2024 Fons, Emily-2024](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fons-Emily-2024-250x300.jpg)
Emily Fons, mezzo-soprano
![Sanders, Josh Sanders, Josh](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sanders-Josh-scaled-250x300.jpg)
Joshua Sanders, tenor
![Hurt_Weston Hurt_Weston](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hurt_Weston-250x300.jpg)
Weston Hurt, baritone
Weather Policy
Should inclement weather occur, we will decide by 5pm on Saturday, July 20 if the concert is to be postponed to Sunday evening. Notifications will be posted on our website, via social media, and through patron emails. If a postponement is necessary, the concert will take place at 8pm on Sunday, July 21.
The winners of this year’s raffle are…
1st Prize of $2,000: Leslie Suthers
2nd Prize $1,000: Joyce Hirsch
3rd Prize of Madison Opera Season Subscription for Two: Kathleen Goodall
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who participated!
Parking & Transport
For patrons with limited mobility, there is a drop-off point on Rosa Road at the Garner Park walking path. Ask the traffic officer at Rosa Road for access to the drop-off point, and they will let you through.
There is accessible parking on Rosa Road, Driftwood Ave., and South Hill Drive west of Rosa Road. Golf carts are available to transport patrons with limited mobility from their vehicles to the park before and after the performance. Ask an Opera in the Park volunteer for golf cart transport.
Garner Park is accessible via Madison Metro Transit Route A at Stop ID 2793 on the corner of Mineral Point and South Rosa Road.
Prelude Dinner
Reservations for the Prelude Dinner are now closed.
If you signed up and did not receive a confirmation letter, or if you have any questions, please email Beth Tolles at tolles@madisonopera.org or call 608-238-8085.
If you have been confirmed to attend the Prelude Dinner, we look forward to welcoming you at the white tent next to the stage beginning at 6pm on Saturday, July 20. Thank you for supporting Opera in the Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
Opera in the Park 2024 is Saturday, July 20 at 8pm. The rain date is Sunday, July 21 at 8pm.
No. Opera in the Park is free and open to the public – just come to the park.
Opera in the Park features a mix of arias and ensembles from a broad spectrum of opera and Broadway. Every summer’s concert features selections from Madison Opera’s upcoming season, famous operas, unusual operas, operettas, zarzuelas, Broadway musicals, and more.
The concert begins at 8pm and will end around 10:15pm. There is one 20-minute intermission.
We keep a close eye on the weather in the days leading up to Opera in the Park. If we think there is a likelihood of inclement weather, we will make an announcement no later than 5pm on the day of the concert and post it on our website and via social media. If we must postpone the Saturday performance, the concert will take place on Sunday at 8pm.
You may lay down a tarp or blanket to claim your spot beginning at 7am on the day of the concert – but you can also arrive shortly before the concert and still find a good spot, as there isn’t a bad seat in Garner Park. The concert starts promptly at 8pm; most people arrive an hour or two before the concert to socialize and picnic.
Garner Park is located at 333 S. Rosa Rd. If you choose to drive, there is free parking for your vehicle. Just follow the signs and pay attention to our wonderful volunteers.
Garner Park is accessible via Madison Metro Transit Route A at Stop ID 0898 on the corner of Mineral Point and South Rosa Road.
There is bicycle parking at various locations surrounding the park.
For patrons with limited mobility, there is a drop-off point on Rosa Road at the Garner Park walking path. Ask the traffic officer at Rosa Road for access to the drop-off point, and they will let you through.
There is accessible parking on Rosa Road, Driftwood Ave., and South Hill Drive west of Rosa Road.
Golf carts are available to transport patrons with limited mobility before and after the performance. Ask an Opera in the Park volunteer in a red t-shirt for golf cart transport.
Yes! Pack your favorite picnic, grab some carry out, and enjoy a musical feast. There will be soft drinks, water, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream for sale.
Yes, alcohol may be enjoyed responsibly at the event.
There will be soft drinks, water, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream for sale.
The Prelude Dinner is another way to support Opera in the Park. Sponsors of the concert as well as individuals who purchase a ticket receive a catered dinner, wine and beer, VIP seating at the concert, light sticks, and an invitation to a reception with the artists following the concert.
Opera in the Park is free to attend but requires generous support to produce. You can help make this concert possible by making a direct donation online or in the park, by purchasing a raffle ticket, or by purchasing light sticks and t-shirts
A favorite Opera in the Park tradition takes place when the audience conducts one of the songs with light sticks. The park comes alive with an illuminated rainbow swaying in time to the music. Light sticks start at just $1, and we have an array of other glow merchandise for sale, so you can really light up the hillside!
Service animals are always welcome; all other pets must be on-lead and kept on the walking path.
Lost and found is located at the Garner Park Shelter at the top of the hill. Items unclaimed after the concert will be brought back to the Madison Opera Center and kept for one month. Call Madison Opera at 608-238-8085 during business hours starting the Monday after the concert to see if we have your lost item.
The Madison Police Department have requested that you do not fly or operate drones or quadcopters in the event area.
The History of Opera in the Park
Opera in the Park 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023 – 8pm
Garner Park
Katerina Burton – soprano
Martin Luther Clark – tenor
John DeMain – conductor
Emily Fons – mezzo-soprano
Weston Hurt – baritone
with
Robert A. Goderich – tenor
Sean Hubbard – baritone
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2022
Sunday, July 24, 2022 – 8pm
Garner Park
Michael Adams – baritone
Vanessa Becerra – soprano
John DeMain – conductor
Margaret Gawrysiak – mezzo-soprano
Limmie Pulliam- tenor
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2021
Saturday, July 24, 2021 – 8pm
Garner Park
Kyle Ketelsen – bass/baritone
Amanda Majeski – soprano
Stephanie Rhodes Russell – conductor
Andrew Stenson – tenor
Rehanna Thelwell – mezzo-soprano
Suzanne Beia – violin
Xavier Pleindoux – violin
Christopher Dozoryst – viola
Karl Lavine – cello
David Scholl – bass
Stephanie Jutt – flute
Marc Fink – oboe
JJ Koh – clarinet
Cynthia Cameron – bassoon
Linda Kimball – French horn
Ricardo Almeida – French horn
Nick Bonaccio – percussion
Johanna Weinholts – harp
Scott Gendel – keyboard
Anthony Cao – keyboard
Digital Opera in the Park 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020 – 8pm
Available Online
Andres Acosta- tenor
Jasmine Habersham – soprano
Weston Hurt – baritone
Karen Slack – soprano
Suzanne Beia – violin
John DeMain – piano
Scott Gendel – piano
Madison Opera Chorus
Anthony Cao – piano, chorusmaster
Guest Pianists: Rolando Salazar, Bethany Self, Laura Ward, Marika Yasuda
Opera in the Park 2019
Sunday, July 21, 2019 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
David Blalock- tenor
Ben Edquist – baritone
Jeni Houser – soprano
Michelle Johnson – soprano
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Gary Thor Wedow
Elizabeth Caballero – soprano
Levi Hernandez – baritone
John Lindsey – tenor
Brenda Rae – soprano
with
Anthony Cao – baritone
Anna Parks – mezzo-soprano
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Joseph Mechavich
Will Liverman – baritone
Cecilia Violetta Lopez – soprano
David Walton – tenor
Adriana Zabala – mezzo-soprano
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2016
Sunday, July 24, 2016 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Gary Thor Wedow
Emily Birsan – soprano
Angela Brown – soprano
Sidney Outlaw – baritone
Scott Quinn – tenor
with
Kelsey Parks – mezzo-soprano
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2015
Saturday, July 25, 2015 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Meredith Arwady – contralto
Eleni Calenos – soprano
Kyle Ketelsen – bass-baritone
Anna Laurenzo – mezzo-soprano
Harold Meers – tenor
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Wallis Giunta – mezzo-soprano
Jamie-Rose Guarrine – soprano
Kelly Markgraf – baritone
Sean Panikkar – tenor
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Caitlin Cisler – soprano
Nmon Ford – baritone
Brian Jagde – tenor
Alexandra LoBianco – soprano
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Youth Choirs
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Gary Thor Wedow
Matt Boehler – bass
Emily Fons – mezzo-soprano
Caitlin Lynch – soprano
Russell Thomas – tenor
with
Caitlin Cisler – soprano
Alan Dunbar – baritone
Heath Rush – tenor
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2010 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Maria Kanyova – soprano
Daniela Mack – mezzo-soprano
Scott Ramsay – tenor
Hyung Yun – baritone
with
Gregory Brumfield – baritone
Saira Frank – soprano
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Roderick Dixon – tenor
Anya Matanovic – soprano
Barbara Shirvis – soprano
Stephen Powell – baritone
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Youth Choirs
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Lisa Daltrius – soprano
Adam Diegel – tenor
Jennifer Holloway – mezzo-soprano
Timothy Kuhn – baritone
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Kendall Gladen – mezzo-soprano
Bryan Hymel – tenor
Luis Ledesma – baritone
Melody Moore – soprano
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Elizabeth Caballero – soprano
Stephen Costello – tenor
Lester Lynch – baritone
Leah Partridge – soprano
with
Heath Rush – tenor
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Kristin Chávez – mezzo-soprano
Eric Fennell – tenor
Dina Kuznetsova – soprano
Guido LeBron – baritone
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Donnie Ray Albert – baritone
Elena Bocharova – mezzo-soprano
Kyle Ketelsen – bass-baritone
Ted Lee – tenor
Barbara Quintiliani – soprano
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2004
Saturday, July 17, 2004 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Steven White
Elizabeth Futral – soprano
Kyle Ketelsen – bass-baritone
Malcolm MacKenzie – baritone
Scott Piper – tenor
Jennifer Rivera – mezzo-soprano
with
David Wallach – tenor
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2003
Saturday, July 19, 2003 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by Steven White
Thomas Barrett – baritone
Paula Delligatti – soprano
Angela Horn – mezzo-soprano
Andrew Richards – tenor
with
Bert Adams – bass
John Green – baritone
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2002
Saturday, July 20, 2002 – 8pm
Garner Park
Conducted by John DeMain
Robin Follman – soprano
Sari Gruber – soprano
Angela Horn – mezzo-soprano
Kyle Ketelsen – bass-baritone
Malcom MacKenzie – baritone
Andrew Richards – tenor
with
Madison Opera Chorus
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Opera in the Park 2024 Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
![BerbeeWalsh_logo](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BerbeeWalsh_logo-1024x322.jpg)
SPONSORS
![Print](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FC-Logo-RGB-300x115.jpg)
John and Marian Bolz
Vivian Ruth Brigham
Patricia & Stephen Lucas
Cyrena & Lee Pondrom
![URP-logo-jpeg](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/URP-logo-jpeg.jpg)
![MGEFoundationLogo](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MGEFoundation_Logo_small-150x61.jpg)
![EvjueFoundation_CAPTIMES_LOGOS](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EvjueFoundation_CAPTIMES_LOGOS-GreenBG-150x116.jpg)
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![wab50-mark-transparent-2 (1) (002)](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wab50-mark-transparent-2-1-002-150x88.png)
Madison Opera Chorus sponsored in memory of Peggy Ottum
MEDIA SPONSORS
![WKOW-logo_web2017](https://www.madisonopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WKOW-logo_web2017-150x150.jpg)
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