"However, it is important to clarify that our July 27, 2025 performance of Bizet's Carmen in Peninsula Park was not supported by the Parks Local Option Levy in any substantive way. To suggest otherwise risks misleading voters about what the levy actually funds, how their tax dollars are spent, and the vital role community members are playing in making opera accessible to all."
"While Redden states that our organization "exists specifically to perform in public parks," our mission as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit is broader: to enrich the life of every Portlander by providing professional opera performances of high artistic quality to the public free of charge. Since 2003, we have performed not only in parks but also in community centers, schools, universities, local businesses, and other venues."
Opera in the Park Portland supports public parks as essential community spaces and recognizes the importance of public investment in arts and culture. The July 27, 2025 performance of Bizet’s Carmen in Peninsula Park was produced without substantive support from the Parks Local Option Levy. The organization's mission as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit is to enrich every Portlander’s life by providing professional, high-quality opera performances free of charge across parks, community centers, schools, universities, businesses, and other venues. Portland Parks & Recreation did not invite a 2025 partnership due to department-wide financial setbacks from city budget cuts. After a Summer-Free-For-All application rejection, leadership chose to self-produce rather than eliminate the union orchestra or relocate.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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