Toledo Opera

05/31/2026

🌷🎶 What a beautiful finale to this spring’s Opera ’Round Town tour. 🎶🌷

While the weather may not have cooperated with us for much of the season, we were incredibly grateful for the warm and welcoming indoor spaces that allowed this music and community to continue flourishing. And on Wednesday, May 20, the Manor House gave us the perfect ending.

With more than 50 attendees packed inside, the final Opera ’Round Town performance of the season was overflowing with energy, laughter, and song. We missed Resident Artist Sarah Rachel Bacani, who had already departed for the start of her summer contract, but we were thrilled to celebrate this remarkable cohort one last time together.

A special highlight of the evening came from collaborative pianist Yura Jang, who treated audiences to a moving performance of a Korean folk song, joined by Artistic Director Kevin Bylsma at the piano. It was a heartfelt and unforgettable moment that perfectly captured the spirit of this season: connection, artistry, and joy.

To this incredible group of Resident Artists: thank you for sharing your voices, your talents, and your hearts with communities across our region this spring. We will miss you dearly. 💙

05/29/2026

🎶✨ Thank You, Yura Jang ✨🎶

As we close our 2025–26 season, we’re celebrating and thanking pianist and vocal coach Yura Jang for her incredible year as a Toledo Opera Resident Artist.

Throughout the season, Yura brought artistry, care, and collaboration to every corner of Toledo Opera, supporting performances, educational programming, and community events with extraordinary musicianship and heart.

When reflecting on her residency, Yura shared:

“One of the most meaningful parts of my time was the people I met here.
I had not been in the U.S. for very long, so everything still felt new and unfamiliar to me. At times, playing the piano felt like the only thing I truly knew how to do. My fellow RA's and the Toledo Opera Family helped me feel welcomed, supported and more at home as I adjusted to this new environment. Through this experience, I gained not only valuable memories and experiences, but also friendships and confidence that I will carry with me for a long time.”

On how Toledo shaped her:

“My time in Toledo helped me grow not only as a collaborative pianist, but also as a musician and educator. Before this residency, I mainly thought of opera as performances on stage, but Toledo Opera showed me how music can also serve and connect with the community. Through programs like Opera on Wheels and Opera Round Town, I experienced the joy of bringing music directly to children, families and audiences in the community. These experiences helped me realize that music can have a meaningful impact beyond the theater.”

And as for what comes next:

“I will return to New York to continue my studies and further develop as an artist. Through my experiences in Toledo, I gained not only valuable performance experience, but also a deeper understanding of communication, collaboration and the role music can play in the community.”

Thank you, Yura, for the artistry, kindness, and dedication you brought to us this season. We are so grateful to have been part of your journey and can’t wait to see all that lies ahead. 💙

05/29/2026

🎶✨ Tomorrow night: one final toast to the 2025–26 season ✨🎶

Before we turn the page to a new season of grand opera adventures, join us for one last unforgettable evening at Opera Cabaret tomorrow, Friday, May 29 at 7 PM.

⚠️ Parking Alert: Due to a Mudhens game, downtown Toledo may be a smidge crowded. Please allow additional time for parking! ⚠️

Hosted by Artistic Director Kevin Bylsma, this relaxed and intimate cabaret-style event brings members of the Toledo Opera Chorus front and center for an evening filled with musical surprises, laughter, and moments you can only experience up close.

Whether you’ve joined us all season long or are looking for the perfect first taste of Toledo Opera, Opera Cabaret is a joyful reminder that opera is at its most magical when shared together.

📍 Toledo Opera Offices (425 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 601, Toledo)
🕖 Friday, May 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free and open to the public
🥂 Refreshments provided
💛 Freewill donations welcome

Help us close out the season in style. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🎭

05/28/2026

🌙✨ Eid al-Adha Mubarak from Toledo Opera! ✨🌙

Today, we join in celebrating Eid al-Adha and extend our warmest wishes to all observing this special holiday.

May this time of reflection, generosity, family, and community bring peace, joy, and meaningful connection to you and your loved ones. At Toledo Opera, we are grateful for the many cultures, traditions, and voices that enrich our community and remind us of the power of coming together through shared humanity and celebration.

Wishing you a joyful and blessed Eid al-Adha. 💙

05/27/2026

🎶✨ Thank You, Rick Hale ✨🎶

As we close our 2025–26 season, we’re celebrating and thanking tenor Rick Hale for his incredible year as a Toledo Opera Resident Artist.

Throughout the season, Rick brought warmth, artistry, and joy to performances across our stages and throughout the community. From Opera on Wheels and Opera ’Round Town to Opera Cabaret and mainstage appearances, he shared his voice and passion with audiences of all ages across Northwest Ohio.

When reflecting on his residency, Rick shared:

“Performing with members of our Opera Chorus and other members of our community at the Opera Cabaret was especially meaningful because it reminded me how much talent we are surrounded with in this community and how much our members care about making beautiful art!”

On how Toledo shaped him:

“I believe that my time in Toledo helped me develop my understanding of what it means to be a member of your community and how to give back to that community. Through programs like Opera on Wheels and Opera 'Round Town, we had the opportunity to see how much joy we can bring to our community by bringing our music outside of the traditional performance spaces.”

And as for what comes next:

“This summer, I will join the Apprentice Artist cohort at Des Moines Metro Opera, where I will be performing in Tosca, Of Mice and Men, and King Roger. After that, I will head to Nashville Opera to be a member of the Mary Ragland Emerging Artist cohort. I am excited to find myself in another city with such a rich cultural and music history (and maybe a bit less snow in the winter!)!”

Thank you, Rick, for sharing your talent, generosity, and enthusiasm with Toledo Opera this season. We can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you! 💙

05/27/2026

Happy Birthday to Lisa Marie Rogali! 🎉🎶

We’re thrilled to celebrate the remarkable artist who made her Toledo Opera debut as Carmen to rave reviews. Her powerful presence, captivating voice, and unforgettable interpretation left a lasting impression on our stage and in the hearts of our audiences.

Wishing Lisa Marie a wonderful birthday and a year filled with continued success, inspiration, and applause! 🌹✨

📸: Tetyana Mcgowan Photography

05/26/2026

A season of artistry, community, and unforgettable moments deserves a moment of reflection. 🎭

In a new letter, Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman reflects on the close of our extraordinary 67th season:

“Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our artists, staff, volunteers, trustees, donors, and loyal audiences, this season was filled with artistic success, meaningful community engagement, and joyful celebration.”

And perhaps most importantly:

“Your belief in the power of opera allows us not only to produce outstanding performances but also to educate, inspire, and serve our community in meaningful ways.”

Read the full letter and join us in celebrating an unforgettable season:

The Toledo Opera is one of the premier performing arts organizations in Northwest Ohio.

05/26/2026

A special thanks to our friends at The Blade for shouting out Friday's event!

The Toledo Opera will present an Opera Cabaret downtown on Friday.
The cabaret will be held at 7 p.m. at the Toledo Opera offices at 425 Jefferson Ave., ...

05/25/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Claire Leyden! 🎉

We’re so grateful for the joy and warmth she brought to the stage as Nellie in South Pacific. Her radiant performance left a lasting impression on our audiences and our community.

Wishing Claire a wonderful birthday and a year ahead filled with continued success, beautiful music, and exciting new adventures. We hope to welcome her back to Toledo again soon! 🎶🎭

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At Toledo Opera, this day also reflects a deeper commitment, one that has grown through meaningful relationships with our local veteran community. Since 2024, we have had the privilege of connecting through shared experiences that honor service, storytelling, and remembrance.

From our recent Sing While You Work: Day of Service, where volunteers came together to prepare and honor veterans’ graves, to our America 250 Veterans Concert, we are proud to create spaces where music and service intersect. These moments, part of our broader America 250 programming, are a tribute not only to those we have lost, but to the living legacy of those who have served.

Today, we remember. And we remain committed to honoring that legacy; not just in words, but through continued action, partnership, and community.🎶