December 8, 2013

Classics in the Parks Series Extends Chicago Opera Theater’s Acclaimed Production of Orpheus & Euridice

Three Additional Performances to Be Held in Welles Park

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Following a successful run at Eckhart Park in which every seat was filled, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events today announce an extension of Chicago Opera Theater’s production of Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus & Euridice. The production is part of the Classics in the Parks series.

“As part of the Chicago Cultural Plan, we are working to ensure that all Chicagoans have access to a variety of arts experiences that will enrich lives and foster cultural growth,” said Mayor Emanuel. “After attending one of the November performances, I know firsthand that Orpheus & Euridice is a production that should not be missed.” The original cast, featuring former Chicago Opera Theater Young Artist Valerie Vinzant as Euridice and acclaimed clarinetist Todd Palmer, return for the extension. The extension is being underwritten by the Park District. “The Classics in the Parks series is another example of how we are bringing professional arts presentations into the neighborhoods free of charge,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly.

Three additional performances will run on December 19, 20 and 22 at the pool in Welles Park, located at 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. All three performances begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is free and tickets can be reserved in advance at www.chicagooperatheater.org or by calling 312.704.8414. Limited walk-up tickets become available on a first come, first served basis at the park at 5 pm each performance day.

This modern retelling of the famous Greek myth is directed and designed by Chicago Opera Theater General Director Andreas Mitisek, conducted by Stephen Hargreaves at the piano, with lighting design by David Lee Bradke.

Chicago Opera Theater is an innovative, nationally recognized opera company that inspires a diverse community through immersive and thought-provoking opera experiences. More information is available here.

About Classics in the Parks

From ballet to opera in a pool to traditional art forms from around the globe, the Chicago Park District in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents the interdisciplinary Classics in the Parks series featuring local companies in an eclectic interpretation of classical performances. Participating companies include the Joffrey Academy, The Gift Theatre, Chicago Opera Theatre, Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts and In the Spirit and Shanta. All performances are free.

Classics in the Parks is presented as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Cultural Plan. For more information, visit chicagoculturalplan.org.

For more information about the Chicago Park District, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com and call 312.742.PLAY (7529) or 312.747.2001 (TTY).

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For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,100 acres of parkland, 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312.742.PLAY.