June 5–07, 2025 @ A K Bissell Park
Marble City Opera presents three nights of outdoor operatic entertainment June 5, 6, and 7, in Oak Ridge and Knoxville. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to each of the performances.
Marble City Opera presents Ruggero Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci"Thursday, June 5, at 7p.m. in the bandshell pavilion at A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge. Tickets are available atmarblecityopera.com/pagliacci. Food and beverages are available for purchase from Southern Yankee Pizza, Lil’ Man’s Lemon Shake Upsand United Way of Anderson County. The production of "Pagliacci"is sponsored in part by the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Marble City Opera’s inauguralOpera in the Parkconcert takes place Friday, June 6at 7p.m. in Marble Hall at Lakeshore Park in Knoxville. Admission is free. Donations and sponsorships are accepted atmarblecityopera.com/operainthepark. Opera in the Park is sponsored in part by the Kylie Roberto Foundation and by the Garza Law Firm.
AtOpera in the Park, food is available for purchase from Disco Chicken and Donuts and Irvey’s Ice Cream. Disco Chicken and Donuts feature an “Opera Cake Donut” flavor and will donate $1 per donut to Marble City Opera. Irvey’sdonates proceeds from the sale of “Soprano Strawberry” ice cream to Marble City Opera. Fans can vote for specific arias to be sung by donating atgivebutter.com/c/operainthepark/auction.
Marble City Opera’s Executive Artistic Director Kathryn Frady said, “As a dedicated nonprofit organization, Marble City Opera remains steadfast in our mission to make opera accessible to all. In alignment with our outreach efforts, we are honored to presentOpera in the Parkas a free concert to the community. This event underscores the vital role of supporting local arts and extends an invitation for community members to join us in securing the future of opera as a cornerstone of East Tennessee’s cultural heritage.”
A second performance ofPagliacciis held Saturday, June 7at 7p.m. in the bandshell pavilion at A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge. Tickets are on sale atmarblecityopera.com/pagliacci. Food and beverages are available for purchase from F.A.T.S. BBQ, Irvey’s Ice Creamand United Way of Anderson County.
Kathryn Frady said, “The bandshell pavilion at A.K. Bissell Park evokes the image of a circus tent used by the commedia dell'arte troupe. Members of the chorus will be on stage and intermingled with the audience to create an immersive atmosphere for this timeless opera.”
Tenor Edward Brennan sings the role of Canio, the head of the troupe who portrays the clown Pagliaccio. Soprano Kathryn Frady plays Canio’s unfaithful wife Nedda. Baritone Daniel Spiotta plays Silvio, a villager who is Nedda’s secret lover. Baritone Brad Morrison plays Tonio, who addresses the audience during the prologue. Tenor Cody Boling plays Beppe, a member of the troupe. The orchestra is conducted by Andy Anderson. Kathryn Frady is the stage director. Lauren Lenz is the assistant director.
“Marble City Opera’s socially-distanced version of "Pagliacci"in August, 2020 was the first opera performance in the country following the Covid lockdown. Our 2025 production will express my full artistic vision for this opera,” said Frady.
Marble City Opera brings world class singers, directors, and conductors to the stage while maintaining a dedication to creating opportunities for local, regional, and emerging artists. Marble City Opera is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with strong community ties and connections to other organizations, businesses, non-profits, schoolsand artists within the East Tennessee community.
Category: Opera