Celebrate 150 Years of
Carmen
Sandra Piques Eddy
Returns to Portland in the
Iconic Title Role
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Peninsula Park
OPERA IN THE PARK Portland, invites you to experience the magic of live opera in the heart of the city! On Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM, we return to the beautiful Peninsula Park for a free outdoor performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen—one of the most passionate and enduring operas of all time.
Set on a grand stage in front of the park’s historic gazebo, this open-air concert features a star-studded cast, a full union orchestra and chorus, and the dazzling rhythms of flamenco brought to life by dancers from Espacio Flamenco. Nicholas Fox returns to conduct the concert. Come early, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, drama, and community.
Whether you're a lifelong opera fan or attending for the first time, Carmen is the perfect introduction to the power of opera—with sweeping melodies, unforgettable characters, and a story that’s as gripping today as it was 150 years ago.
Admission is free.
All are welcome.
ABOUT THE OPERA
Carmen
Composed by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy
In the sun-soaked streets of Seville, Carmen—a bold, free-spirited woman who works in a cigarette factory—lives life by her own rules. She captivates everyone she meets, including Don José, a soldier who abandons his post and his honor in a desperate attempt to possess her love.
But Carmen cannot be possessed. As Don José’s obsession deepens into dangerous jealousy, Carmen turns her attention to Escamillo, a dashing bullfighter with a flair for the dramatic. The tangled web of desire, freedom, and fate, leads to an explosive final act that has shocked and moved audiences for over a century.
With unforgettable music—from the fiery “Habanera” to the rousing “Toreador Song”—Carmen is a story of passion and power, rebellion and ruin…and the high cost of love without limits.
MEET THE CAST
Photos (top to bottom, left to right): Sandra Piques Eddy (By Cory Weaver). OPERA IN THE PARK Portland Production of LA TRAVIATA in Peninsula Park, Portland, Oregon, 2024, Conducted by Nicholas Fox (By The Weekend Photographer). Sandra Piques Eddy (By Cory Weaver), Lawrence Basara, Luis Ledesma (By Paul Sirochman), Aubry Ballarò 2023 (By Patrick Wilhelm), Quinton Gardener, Jocelyn Claire Thomas (By Claire Thorington), Anna Jablonski, John Boelling.
Brought to you in part through the generosity of
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
All Classical Radio is Portland, Oregon’s classical radio station. Established in 1983, All Classical Radio’s mission is to advance knowledge of and appreciation for classical music; to build and sustain culturally vibrant local and global communities around this art form; to reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest; and to foster integrity, quality, and innovation in all that we do.
OFFICIAL HOTEL SPONSOR
Park Lane Suites and Inn generously provides suites for our out of town guest artists.
Photos: The-Weekend-Photographer.com
Since the first performance of The Barber of Seville in 2003, independent non-profit OPERA IN THE PARK Portland (formerly known as Portland SummerFest) has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary singers to Portland, attracting audiences of all ages and backgrounds — in the natural beauty of an outdoor operatic concert, free and open to the public.
Through the generous support of individual donors and arts & cultural foundations, we are extremely proud of our mission to make live world-class opera accessible to everyone. Together, we will continue to enrich our community with the magic of great opera. Your contribution means so much to us. Thank you!
You can also claim a tax credit by making a matching gift to OPERA IN THE PARK Portland and the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information is available on their website: www.culturaltrust.org
Opera in the Park Portland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Sponsors & Partners
OPERA IN THE PARK Portland is made possible by the generous financial and logistical support of our sponsors and partners.
Bringing world-class talent to all Portlanders.
Guest Artists
Every year, Opera in the Park brings together acclaimed national, international and regional opera artists to Portland for an evening of music unlike any other.
Artistic Director & Conductor
Opera in the Park is under the expert and experienced creative direction of conductor Keith Clark.
Orchestra & Chorus
Opera in the Park is honored to be accompanied by talented musicians from Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Access to the arts has a huge impact on our community
Portland SummerFest’s mission is to enrich the life of every Portlander by providing professional opera performances of high artistic quality to the public free of charge. We believe the arts can bridge economic and cultural differences and improve people’s lives in many important ways.
The arts bring people together.
Free arts programs such as Opera in the Park bring together people who might not come into contact with each other on a day-to-day basis.
The arts help students succeed.
Access to arts programs, even as an audience member, helps foster creativity and self-expression in our kids. This leads to better performance in school, reduced delinquency, and an increased sense of self-esteem.
The arts boost the economy.
Arts events help attract tourists, new residents, and businesses alike. They also create jobs and give local businesses a place to advertise. Access to the arts helps keep money in the Portland business community.
The arts improve one’s health.
Attending arts events reduces stress, enhances our ability to communicate with others, and exposes us to new ideas. Events such as Opera in the Park encourage us to be more creative and find more enjoyment in our daily life.
Opera in the Park exists because of your support.
Please donate today to ensure this wonderful Portland tradition is around for years to come.
Media Mentions
Banner Photo: Andie Petkus Photography
Your support helps bring world-class opera to Portland every year free-of-charge.
Please help keep this wonderful Portland tradition alive by supporting us on a level that's right for you.