Portland SummerFest Presents: Puccini’s TOSCA at Opera in the Park

Soprano Angela Brown and baritone Richard Zeller

Portland, OR. The Washington Park Amphitheater was packed when Portland SummerFest Opera in the Park presented an abridged version of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Singing the title character was acclaimed soprano Angela Brown, for whom “Tosca” is a signature role. (She posed for a photo with Portland baritone Richard Zeller.) Her successful Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of Aida captured international attention. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Angela Brown (soprano) as TOSCA, Maestro Imre Palló, Dear Guidi (bass-baritone) as SCIARONE, Tom Cilluffo (tenor) as SPOLETTA

Joining Angela Brown in the July 28th production were two other veterans of the Metropolitan Opera: tenor Allan Glassman as the painter “Cavaradossi” and Portland’s baritone Richard Zeller as the villainous chief of police “Scarpia.” Singing the roles of “Sacristan” and “Sciarrone” was local bass-baritone Deac Guidi. They performed with the SummerFest Chorus and Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Keith Clark.

Allan Glassman (tenor) as CAVARADOSSI, Angela Brown (soprano) as TOSCA

Artistic Director & Conductor Keith Clark is Principal Guest Conductor of the Siberian Chamber Orchestra in Omsk, Russia, Conductor of the Amadeus Opera Ensemble in Salzburg, and Founding Conductor Laureate of the Pacific Symphony in Southern California. He is also the Founding Music Director & Conductor of the Astoria Music Festival.

Soprano Angela Brown with friends from All Classical Portland and board member Sharon Buckmaster

From Portland SummerFest’s Opera in the Park:

Portland SummerFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of cultural life in Portland which believes “Opera is for Everyone,” and is committed to presenting annual free operatic performances at the outdoor Washington Park Amphitheater as part of Portland Parks and Recreation’s annual Summer Festival.

Portland SummerFest’s Opera in the Park presents annual free operatic performances at the beautiful outdoor Washington Park Amphitheater in southwest Portland. The performance at Washington Park has been presented since 2003 as part of Portland Parks and Recreation’s annual Washington Park Summer Festival.

Audiences of all ages and backgrounds come to Washington Park to enjoy this unique contribution to the cultural life of Portland. Presented in concert format with full orchestra and lively narration, these concerts have introduced thousands of Portlanders to the world of opera and been avidly attended by a growing number of loyal fans.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.