April 20, 2021 – FWD>DFW – Nicole Cormier
As Texas continues to see large numbers of individuals vaccinated against COVID-19, performing arts organizations such as The Dallas Opera (TDO) are eager to provide North Texans with safe, in-person programming that families and audiences of all ages can enjoy for free. This world-renowned opera company currently has two free series slated for the spring, the “Garden Serenades” concert series and the OperaTruck, both offering free “pop-up” performances throughout the community April 10 through May 23.
“The Dallas Opera is delighted to announce this spring’s free events with our Arts District and community partners featuring members of The Dallas Opera Orchestra,” said Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal general director and CEO. “Offering live music to engage with audiences beyond the opera house is critical to our mission, and these concerts will not only serve to celebrate our partnerships with other local arts institutions, but to feature members of our Orchestra, who, while always heard, aren’t typically seen center stage.”
For decades, TDO has brought music and culture to the greater D-FW community. Unfortunately, the much-celebrated Dallas-based opera company had to go silent in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep across the country. As all in-person events were cancelled, TDO was unable to safely host live performances again until April 9, 2021 when the organization presented a “Welcome Back” recital at the Winspear Opera House featuring countertenor and “The Voice” sensation, John Holiday in “The John Holiday Experience.” This performance revitalized local interest in TDO, leaving many clamoring for more in-person opportunities to hear live music.
On Saturday, April 10, TDO kicked off their “Garden Serenades” concert series at the Dallas Museum of Art. This series of four weekend chamber music programs is performed by members of small ensembles of string and brass players from The Dallas Opera Orchestra. Open to guests of all ages, each concert is approximately 40 minutes in length, with two performances each day including a short break in between.
On April 17, TDO participated in the Dallas Arts District Changing Perspectives Block Party that spotlighted local arts groups. TDO “Garden Serenade” performances also took place at Klyde Warren Park on April 17 and 18. The final weekends of “Garden Serenades” are scheduled for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens April 24-25, followed by performances at the Nasher Sculpture Center May 1-2.
Families can enjoy even more live music with TDO’s OperaTruck, which brings productions of family fare to the greater Dallas community. Donated for these appearances by Quincy Roberts, CEO of Roberts Trucking, the 18-wheel flatbed big rig has been retrofitted as an outdoor mobile stage, which provides musicians and singers with appropriate distancing for live outdoor performances.
“We are so very grateful to Quincy Roberts for his generosity of time and effort to provide TDO with the OperaTruck, which is helping us create inroads with new local partners, such as local churches and social service organizations,” said Derrer. “These collaborations will bring live classical music in an unexpected way — on a truck! — to engage new audiences and families with the stories we tell through music.”
Not only is Roberts the CEO of the largest Black-owned construction hauler in the greater metro area, but he’s also a trained opera singer, TDO Trustee, TDO Chorus member and one of D Magazine’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders. In addition to donating the vehicle itself, Roberts had the big rig converted into the OperaTruck before loaning it to TDO to minimize any expenses for the organization.
“It’s a privilege to both support The Dallas Opera and participate with them in performance,” said Roberts, “which is why providing them with a creative way to expand their community engagement efforts made so much sense. After a year without live performances, I can’t wait to see the OperaTruck in action in our communities.”
“The pandemic has been challenging for arts organizations as a whole, but it has also given The Dallas Opera opportunities to become even more bold and creative in our approach to our mission,” said Kristian Roberts, TDO’s Director of Education and the creator of OperaTruck. “We have seized this moment to better serve the community while upholding our commitment to a talented generation of Texas-based singers/actors now developing their craft. I’m extremely proud of the work my team has done, and I am excited to see it help change stereotypes, expectations — and lives.”
The OperaTruck made its debut earlier this month at North Texas Food Bank and Family Gateway and continues with three new community partners: First United Methodist Church of Heath on Saturday, May 8 at 2 p.m., Trinity Basin Preparatory School on May 15 at 2 p.m., and St. Matthew’s Cathedral on May 23 at 3 p.m. The OperaTruck performances feature TDO singers in family-friendly one-act operas “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Doctor Miracle.” Audiences are encouraged to bring their own seating to use during these live outdoor shows.
TDO will host additional performances of these operas without the OperaTruck at the Dallas Arboretum on April 24 at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and at Klyde Warren Park on May 1 at 1 p.m.
TDO’s OperaTruck is generously sponsored by Betty and Steve Suellentrop.
With the COVID-19 pandemic slowly coming to an end and spring in full bloom, there’s no time like the present to enjoy these free programs offered by The Dallas Opera. Pack a picnic and take the family out to enjoy chamber music and opera performances with “Garden Serenades” and the OperaTruck. Visit The Dallas Opera online to learn more.
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