Opera! Pike! Park! returns
Milford. In this free outdoor concert, singers from the renown Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia will perform classic arias, duets, and songs.
| 07 Jul 2021 | 01:35
Operatic voices will soar once again in Milford.
Opera! Pike! Park! will be presented free of charge from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29, in Ann Street Park.
Singers from the renown Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia will perform classic arias, duets, and songs. Their program in Milford will include five performers: director/pianist José Meléndez, soprano Aubry Ballaró, mezzo soprano Anne Marie Stanley, baritone Titus Muzi, and tenor Sahel Salam.
The Academy of Vocal Arts was established in 1934 to train young artists with the potential to become international opera soloists. They have been so successful that the Metropolitan Opera now presents The Beverly Sills Award to an AVA graduate each year.
Opera! Pike! Park! is part of the Music in the Park series presented by the Milford Parks and Recreation Committee.
“Like everyone in the arts, we missed offering Opera! Pike! Park! last summer due to the pandemic,” said Xavier Morales, the event’s founder and director. “We are delighted to bring it back this year. We have a great group of volunteers working hard to make this year’s concert fabulous.”
Opera! Pike! Park! is family friendly. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, snacks and beverages.
Opera! Pike! Park! is free but reservations via Eventbrite are required to receive a program. There also are a limited number of folding chairs on the lawn that are available for a fee. For more information visit pikeopera.com.
A summer of music
Michael Zimmerman, who coordinates Music in the Park, said the organization was excited to include opera in this summer’s schedule of concerts in Ann Street Park.
The line-up presently includes The Walt Edwards Memorial Concert on Sunday, July 11, the weekend of Milford Music Festival, and three by Kindred Spirits Arts Program in June and August.
“Music brings a community together, and we appreciate the many volunteers and supporters who have made our summer music series possible each year,” said Zimmerman.
“Our festivals provide entertainment, attract visitors and reinforce Milford’s positioning as a regional center for art and culture,” said Maria Farrell, who heads the Milford Parks and Recreation Committee. These events also expose young people to an art form they may not otherwise have experienced. That can spark the imagination and inspire their dreams.”
ANN STREET PARK SERIES
Sunday July 11, from 2-4 p.m.: The Walt Edwards Memorial Concert. Soft rock classics, folk, and Irish ballads performed by solo acoustic artists (facebook.com/gazebomusic).
Saturday, Aug. 7 (time to be determined): Kindred Spirits Arts presents a classical music performance that is part of the annual Classical Music Celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. with performances throughout Milford Borough.
Saturday, Aug. 21, from 5:30-7 p.m.: Kindred Spirits Arts Program “American in Paris: Empire Wild.” Adventurous arrangements from disparate genres performed by a trio featuring two cellists and a guitarist.
“These events also expose young people to an art form they may not otherwise have experienced. That can spark the imagination and inspire their dreams.” Our festivals provide entertainment, attract visitors and reinforce Milford’s positioning as a regional center for art and culture.” Maria Farrell, Milford Parks and Recreation Committee