Mid-Ohio Civic Opera to sing Italian composer's work at Mansfield Art Center

Mid-Ohio Civic Opera is inviting people to enjoy a little fresh air Saturday night.

The local company is giving an "al fresco" performance of Italian operas at the Mansfield Art Center's pavilion. The show will start at 8 p.m.

There is no charge, though donations will be accepted.

The evening will include arias, duets, trios and more from the master of Italian opera, Giuseppe Verdi.

Verdi was best known for his operas. He was born near Busseto to a provincial family of moderate means, receiving a musical education with the help of a local patron. Verdi came to dominate the Italian opera scene after the era of Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti and Vincenzo Bellini, whose works significantly influenced him.

When Verdi died, he had a state funeral.

"All of us grew up singing his music," said Joel Vega, director of Mid-Ohio Civic Opera. "We will be paying homage to him."

Vega invites people to take a picnic, a chair and a favorite beverage.

"When we perform outside, people really like to bring a picnic basket," he said.

Mid-Ohio Civic Opera patrons mix with art lovers

Vega said his company has performed at the art center "three or four times," originally in 2015.

"We get a cross section for both places," he said. "Part of our mission is to support other nonprofits. The (Mansfield) Playhouse and the art center both play well with others."

Mid-Ohio Civic Opera most recently performed at the Playhouse in May.

Vega said he was introduced to live opera at an outdoor venue in New Jersey, across the river from New York City.

"I want to bring some of that to Mansfield," he said.

Vega appreciates an outdoor venue and says the acoustics at the art center's pavilion are good.

"It's fun," he said of performing outside. "It's a little more refreshing. It's nice to try something different instead of being in a hall all day."

In case of rain, the event will be held under the pavilion.

Familiar names will perform Saturday

Most of the performers at Saturday's concert will be familiar to local opera fans.

Andrew and Megan Potte, will sing bass and mezzo, respectively. The former Virginia residents have moved to Richland County.

"As soon as people who sing with us leave, they usually call me and ask when they can come back," Vega said.

Daniel Juarez will sing tenor.

"He's been here before, and we wanted to find a way for him to make it back," Vega said.

Guest soprano Heidi Kirschenheiter Vega also will perform, with Sharon Grimes on piano.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mid-Ohio Civic Opera bringing show to Mansfield Art Center