Opera Returns to the Inland Empire

Riverside Lyric Opera returned with a Grand Reopening Gala Concert on Saturday, March 7 at the University Theatre at the University of California, Riverside. Following a long hiatus, the concert marked the rebirth of the Riverside Lyric Opera and, in many ways, the return of opera to the Inland Empire.

A non-profit organization based here in Riverside, Riverside Lyric Opera was founded in 2003. Its primary goal was to share and preserve classical and opera music throughout the Riverside community through live performances. However, due to operational challenges compounded by the pandemic, the organization significantly scaled back its activities in 2020. It largely remained dormant ever since - until now.

Currently, the revival of the once-latent company is being led by a new executive team, including Anthony León as President and Artistic Director and Louis Lohraseb as Music Director.

The University Theatre was packed throughout the concert, with anticipation and enthusiasm buzzing through the air. Excitement brewed in the lobby as audience members eagerly awaited the start of the performance. Right from the start, one could tell that the energy in the theater was different.

The concert's program featured a diverse range of widely recognized classical operatic repertoire, from Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod. Additionally, the concert showcased four internationally acclaimed soloists: American soprano Erica Petrocelli, Indigenous Mexican American baritone Ethan Vincent, Peruvian soprano Maia Aramburú, and Cuban-Colombian American tenor Anthony León.

Furthermore, the gala was accompanied by a 54-seat orchestra led by conductor Louis Lohraseb and concertmaster violinist and soloist Madalyn Parnas Mӧller. The orchestra proved to be instrumental in bringing the evening's repertoire to life, with instruments ranging from the warm tones of the cello to the bright resonance of the French horn filling the theater.

After the two-and-a-half-hour concert, the performers were met with a wholehearted standing ovation from the full house. The evening also featured an unexpected and heartfelt surprise: a proposal by Anthony León to his girlfriend, Maia Aramburú - and, to the delight of the crowd, she said yes.

Judging from the audience's reaction alone, the concert was undoubtedly a major success and signaled strong enthusiasm for the company's return.

Although the Inland Empire is often cited as one of the fastest-growing regions in California, large-scale opera and classical music performances have historically been less common here than in other major cultural hubs. Organizations like Riverside Lyric Opera aim to help bridge that gap by bringing professional operatic performances to the region.

Recently, developments in Riverside's art community suggest growing momentum. Expansions in university arts programs, along with investments in local cultural venues, have contributed to a renewed interest in the performing arts throughout the area.

By promoting classical opera powered by the human voice, Riverside Lyric Opera contributes to the continued growth of artistic expression in the Inland Empire. As the company begins this new chapter, its return represents not only the revival of a local organization, but also a renewed commitment to preserving live performance and musical artistry in Riverside.

More information: Learn more about Riverside Lyric Opera and follow their upcoming announcements, visit their Facebook page.

By Erik Chen