‘Impossible dream’ continues 40 years later in Modesto. It’s about to be celebrated

What was called an “impossible dream” celebrates its 40th anniversary in Modesto this month.

Opera Modesto, founded in 1983 by the late Erik Buck Townsend as Townsend Opera Players, celebrates those 40 years with a gala on April 30 at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

“Buck’s ‘Impossible Dream’ of a professional opera company in the Central Valley came true through his own herculean efforts, with the devoted help of his wife and business partner, Erika Townsend, and many other wonderful people in the community,” a press release from Opera Modesto said.

Townsend led TOP “with his distinctive infectious exuberance until his death in 2008, an amazing run of 25 years, with a big emphasis on community and youth engagement...” the release said.

Matthew Buckman then led Townsend Opera until 2017. In 2018, Modesto High School graduate and opera singer Roy Stevens became general director of what is now named Opera Modesto, along with his wife, artistic director Annalisa Winberg.

The anniversary programs will be held April 30 at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto, and begin with a Pre-Gala Celebration at 2:30 p.m. There will be finger food, desserts, wine and beverages, along with live harp music and a slide show of past productions. Tickets are $25.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Concert begins at 4 p.m. and will feature past, present and future stars of Opera Modesto and Townsend Opera Players, traveling from as far as New York and Germany, according to the release. Tickets are $39-$89.

Tickets can be purchased for both events at www.galloarts.org.

The concert will include popular songs, from “Nessun dorma” to “O mio babbino caro” and “The Toreador Song.” There will be music and scenes from recent Opera Modesto productions, according to the release.

The concert will begin with an homage to the origins of the company and to Buck Townsend. It will feature his voice singing his theme song, “The Impossible Dream,” from “Man of La Mancha,” the release said.

“Buck’s voice will be joined by several soloists from 1983 ... and then by all the singers in the concert. Videos and slide show moments will help the audience remember past glory and look forward to exciting future performances,” the release said.

A selection will feature 20 members of Opera Modesto’s Summer Opera Institute training program for young singers.

“There are very few cities anywhere in the United States that have a professional symphony, ballet and opera. Modesto is one of those fortunate few,” Stevens said in the release. “Thanks to Buck Townsend’s vision and the faithful support of the Central Valley community, Townsend Opera Players, now known as Opera Modesto, is still thriving after 40 years.”

In other Opera Modesto news, Stevens has been named a Fulbright specialist candidate for 2022-2025 and a Fulbright specialist grantee to Nepal for his upcoming work in One World Theatre’s production of “MacBeth Massacre,” according to the press release.

The original production uses text from William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and music and songs from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Macbeth.”

Stevens has been an international opera singer since 1987. His career includes leading performances in theaters and with symphony orchestras in more than 20 countries, on five continents and in 14 languages, according to the release.

His “time in Nepal will be filled with opportunities to share his expertise with local singers, actors and performing arts organizations as a Fulbright Specialist Grantee,” the release said, “in addition to rehearsals and performances.”