Join us for our 23rd opera in the park
as we present
Carmen
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Peninsula Park
Conducted by
NICHOLAS FOX
Photos (left to right): OPERA IN THE PARK Portland Production of LA TRAVIATA in Peninsula Park, Portland, Oregon, and Nicholas Fox.
(By The Weekend Photographer)
Thank you
for attending the recital titled
“THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS”
Spirituals, Songs, and Arias by Black Composers
Created by
DeANDRE SIMMONS (bass)
with
CLAIRE FORSTMAN (piano)
WE ARE GRATEFUL for the amazing turnout, the generous support we received, and for the opportunity to have offered two of these performances completely free to the public. The responses we received from the audience were overwhelmingly positive, and we are thankful to have partnered with the Community Music Center, PLACE, and Youth Organized and United to Help (Y.O.U.TH) to bring this experience to all of you.
ARTISTS
DeANDRE SIMMONS, American bass, called a “class act” by the Los Angeles Times, is recognized for his velvety voice, incisive musicianship, and captivating stage presence. He has appeared on musical theater, operatic, symphonic, and recital stages in all 50 states and across four continents. His most recent portrayal of Sweeney Todd in Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd was voted Top Ten Best Theatre Performances in San Diego. Upcoming performances include the Count in Le Nozze Di Figaro, First Soldier in Salome and Porgy in Porgy and Bess. Career highlights include performing Mozart's Requiem in the presence of Pope John Paul II, being one of only 10 musicians invited to participate in a concert for Nelson Mandela, and singing for seven US Presidents—from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama.
DeAndreSimmons.com
(Instagram: @DeAndresVoice)
CLAIRE FORSTMAN, a Portland-based pianist and vocal coach, is currently in her second year as a member of the Resident Artist studio at Portland Opera. In the ’24-’25 season, Claire will be the principal pianist for the company’s production of Falstaff, play orchestral keyboards for Paul Moravec’s The Shining, and lead the studio’s scenes program and aria showcase as Music Director. Last season, she served as a répétiteur for Renegade Opera’s workshop of the revue-style American Patriots and Opera Bend’s production of La Traviata, as well as being a regular collaborator with the Portland Symphonic Chorus and an accompanist for OPERA IN THE PARK Portland and Portland’s Opera on Tap.
To help us create more community events of the highest caliber, please consider donating today. As a non-profit, OPERA IN THE PARK Portland depends on your support to provide unparalleled opera experiences free of charge.
Photos (left to right): DeAndre Simmons, Claire Forstman (Photo By Christine Dong)
Brought to you in part through the generosity of
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
All Classical Radio is Portland, Oregon’s classical radio station. Established in 1983, All Classical Radio’s mission is to advance knowledge of and appreciation for classical music; to build and sustain culturally vibrant local and global communities around this art form; to reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest; and to foster integrity, quality, and innovation in all that we do.
OFFICIAL HOTEL SPONSOR
Park Lane Suites and Inn generously provides suites for our out of town guest artists.
Photos: The-Weekend-Photographer.com
Since the first performance of The Barber of Seville in 2003, independent non-profit OPERA IN THE PARK Portland (formerly known as Portland SummerFest) has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary singers to Portland, attracting audiences of all ages and backgrounds — in the natural beauty of an outdoor operatic concert, free and open to the public.
Through the generous support of individual donors and arts & cultural foundations, we are extremely proud of our mission to make live world-class opera accessible to everyone. Together, we will continue to enrich our community with the magic of great opera. Your contribution means so much to us. Thank you!
You can also claim a tax credit by making a matching gift to OPERA IN THE PARK Portland and the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information is available on their website: www.culturaltrust.org
Opera in the Park Portland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Sponsors & Partners
OPERA IN THE PARK Portland is made possible by the generous financial and logistical support of our sponsors and partners.
Bringing world-class talent to all Portlanders.
Guest Artists
Every year, Opera in the Park brings together acclaimed national, international and regional opera artists to Portland for an evening of music unlike any other.
Artistic Director & Conductor
Opera in the Park is under the expert and experienced creative direction of conductor Keith Clark.
Orchestra & Chorus
Opera in the Park is honored to be accompanied by talented musicians from Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Access to the arts has a huge impact on our community
Portland SummerFest’s mission is to enrich the life of every Portlander by providing professional opera performances of high artistic quality to the public free of charge. We believe the arts can bridge economic and cultural differences and improve people’s lives in many important ways.
The arts bring people together.
Free arts programs such as Opera in the Park bring together people who might not come into contact with each other on a day-to-day basis.
The arts help students succeed.
Access to arts programs, even as an audience member, helps foster creativity and self-expression in our kids. This leads to better performance in school, reduced delinquency, and an increased sense of self-esteem.
The arts boost the economy.
Arts events help attract tourists, new residents, and businesses alike. They also create jobs and give local businesses a place to advertise. Access to the arts helps keep money in the Portland business community.
The arts improve one’s health.
Attending arts events reduces stress, enhances our ability to communicate with others, and exposes us to new ideas. Events such as Opera in the Park encourage us to be more creative and find more enjoyment in our daily life.
Opera in the Park exists because of your support.
Please donate today to ensure this wonderful Portland tradition is around for years to come.
Media Mentions
Banner Photo: Andie Petkus Photography
Your support helps bring world-class opera to Portland every year free-of-charge.
Please help keep this wonderful Portland tradition alive by supporting us on a level that's right for you.