Portland Opera To Go is the flagship outreach program of the Portland Opera and is composed of teaching artists from the Portland Metro area and beyond. This season they will give over 61 performances in communities as diverse as Grants Pass, Seaside, Halfway, La Grande, and Dorris. Their mission is to engage children, educators and communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington in the magical world of opera, seeking to “connect with audiences on a visceral level, through good humor, artistry and enthusiasm.”

      The productions are most commonly performed in schools, and are fully staged, with sets, costumes and piano accompaniment.  Portland Opera To Go typically presents 50-minute English language adaptations of standard repertoire operas. 

      Today’s performance is an exception. Although it is a slightly abbreviated version of Puccini’s original, it is sung in the original Italian, and it is accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, using Puccini’s score. As such, it is a unique collaboration.

      The soloists appear in formal wear, with limited props and set pieces, and some staging.