OperaBend

There are still a few spots left for our Season Auditions on August 25th! Please note these auditions are for singers who live in central Oregon.

https://www.operabend.org/join-operabend

Contact [email protected] for questions, and to schedule an audition!

Join OperaBend - OperaBend Want to perform with OperaBend? submit your materials below CALLING ALL CENTRAL OREGON SINGERS!OperaBend is excited to announce Auditions for it’s 2026-27 Season on August 25th, 2026, at COCC. We are seeking talented artists from across Central Oregon to join us for a season filled with inspiring ...

CALLING ALL CENTRAL OREGON SINGERS!

OperaBend is excited to announce auditions for its 2026-27 Season on August 25th, 2026, at COCC. We are seeking talented artists from Central Oregon to join us for a season filled with inspiring performances, professional growth, and unforgettable music-making.

2026-27 Season:

The Bend Singer Showcase - November 22nd, 2026
A celebration of Central Oregon’s own vocal talent, featuring a variety of artists from throughout our community. All ages and genres welcome! https://www.operabend.org/bend-singer-showcase-1

Rising Voices: Opera’s Next Generation - February 28th, 2027
Showcasing the next generation of exceptional classical singers. Open to current college students or recent graduates from the PNW who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts. The online application will go live on September 1st, with a submission deadline of December 1st. https://www.operabend.org/rising-voices-26-27

Le nozze di Figaro - April/May, 2027
OperaBend's 2026-27 MainStage production of one of opera's most beloved masterpieces. This production will be sung in Italian, and fully staged with orchestra and chorus. https://www.operabend.org/le-nozze-di-figaro

OperaBend in the Park: Tosca - June 2027
A spectacular outdoor concert presentation of Puccini's thrilling opera, FREE and open to the public. Performed with piano and full chorus, this production also features a youth soloist in the role of the “Shepherd Boy.” https://www.operabend.org/tosca

We invite you to share your voice and become part of OperaBend’s exciting 13th season!

Auditions: August 25, 2026 (6-10pm)
Location: COCC (Pence 228)
Open to Central Oregon singers (all genres & ages welcome)

Please note, these in-person auditions are only open to local singers. Non local singers are welcome to submit materials here: https://www.operabend.org/join-operabend

To schedule an audition, or for any questions, please contact - [email protected]

We can't wait to hear you!

Announcing OperaBend's 2026-27 Season!

The Bend Singer Showcase - November 22nd, 2026
Celebrate the extraordinary vocal talent of Central Oregon at OperaBend’s Bend Singer Showcase. This exciting concert brings together some of the region’s finest singers for an afternoon of unforgettable music spanning the worlds of musical theater and opera.

Rising Voices: Opera’s Next Generation - February 28th, 2027
Experience the future of opera at OperaBend’s Rising Voices, a captivating concert showcasing the next generation of exceptional vocal talent. Serving as the culmination of an intensive three-day Young Artist Workshop, this performance features a select group of emerging singers from across the Pacific Northwest who are preparing to launch their professional careers in opera.

Le nozze di Figaro - April/May, 2027
OperaBend proudly presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved masterpiece, Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), in a fully staged production sung in Italian. Filled with unforgettable melodies, a whirlwind of romance, and mistaken identities, this timeless comic opera remains one of the most celebrated works in the operatic repertoire.

OperaBend in the Park: Tosca - June 2027
Join OperaBend for a magical summer evening with Tosca. Presented in concert version and free to the public, this special outdoor event brings the passion, drama, and soaring melodies of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera to the heart of Bend.

https://www.operabend.org

OperaBend Announces New Leadership Team for their 2026-27 Season!

OperaBend is pleased to announce the appointment of Zachary Lenox as Executive Director and Jocelyn Claire Thomas as Artistic Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the organization. Together, Lenox & Thomas bring complementary strengths, fresh perspectives, and a shared dedication to expanding access to opera and classical music in Central Oregon, while deepening OperaBend's impact within the community.

"This is a transition we’ve been planning, and I couldn’t be more confident in them” says Jason Stein, OperaBend’s Founder and outgoing Executive Director. "As for me, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be staying on as Board President, supporting the company, supporting Zach & Jocelyn, and cheering on the incredible work they will do. This is a moment of continuity, not disruption. OperaBend is in good hands, and I’m genuinely excited for what comes next.”

OperaBend looks forward to the opportunities ahead under their leadership, and to continuing its mission of promoting, nurturing, and preserving the Central Oregon tradition of excellence in Opera and Classical Vocal Music. For more information about the upcoming 2026-27 season, please visit www.operabend.org

About the new Leadership Team:

Zachary Lenox has been described as “a broad, resonant baritone that is exquisitely controlled throughout his entire range.” He has performed leading roles throughout the Pacific Northwest, appearing with Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony, Eugene Opera, OrpheusPDX, Tacoma Opera, Opera Parallèle, Vashon Opera, OperaBend, Harmonia Seattle, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Opera in the Park Portland, Portland Chamber Orchestra, and Eugene Concert Choir. As OperaBend’s incoming Executive Director, Mr. Lenox brings exceptional organizational leadership, a passion for the performing arts, and a focus on community enrichment. Working closely with OperaBend’s board, artists, and supporters, Zachary will lead OperaBend’s strategic vision to advance the organization’s mission. Zachary is honored to join OperaBend at an exciting time in its growth, and looks forward to helping shape the company’s next chapter of artistic achievement and community impact. www.zacharylenox.com

Jocelyn Claire Thomas is a celebrated soprano known for her “staggeringly brilliant…ethereal soprano” (The Source) and exceptional artistic versatility. A dynamic performer, educator, and arts leader, she has captivated audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest in more than 50 operatic roles with companies including Portland Opera, Eugene Opera, Tacoma Opera, Inland Northwest Opera, Opera Theater Oregon, Cascadia Chamber Opera, OrpheusPDX, Vashon Opera, Opera in the Park Portland, and of course, OperaBend. Some notable appearances include Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate with the Central Oregon Symphony, Soprano Soloist in Brahms’ Requiem with the Central Oregon Mastersingers, and with OperaBend “Nedda” in Pagliacci, “Donna Elvira” in Don Giovanni, and “Musetta” in La Boheme. As OperaBend’s new Artistic Director, Jocelyn brings a commitment to artistic excellence, a passion for arts education and outreach, and innovative programming that expands access to classical music in Central Oregon. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Ms. Thomas earned her B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory and both a M.M. and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. www.jocelynclairethomas.com

One more chance to see our season finale, DIE FLEDERMAUS, today at 3pm!

Tickets are also available at the door, and the FREE pre-concert lecture starts (as the photo suggests) at 2pm 🥂🎶🩰

https://www.operabend.org/die-fledermaus

NEWS FLASH: Party on with Die Fledermaus! https://centraloregonmusicnews.blogspot.com/2026/06/news-flash-party-on-with-die-fledermaus.html
events

IT'S OPENING NIGHT!

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for DIE FLEDERMAUS this weekend, you can still do so here - https://www.operabend.org/die-fledermaus

AND tickets will also be available at the door!

Our season finale, DIE FLEDERMAUS, opens tomorrow (Friday, June 19th) at 7pm!

MEET THE LIBRETTIST:

Ross Halper is an American tenor, stage director, and opera translator who is widely recognized for his prolific contributions to opera as a librettist and adapter. Often affectionately referred to as "Opera's mad genius" or "Our modern Schikaneder," Halper is known for creating witty, humorous, and highly engaging English adaptations of classic works to make opera more accessible to modern audiences. A triple-threat artist, Halper's many opera translations have been sung around the hemisphere. He has directed for Eugene Opera, OperaBend, Opera Idaho, Opera San Luis Obispo, North Bay Opera and many others. Halper has also taught operatic acting at Mannes College NYC, UC Berkeley and Calpoly. https://www.ross.halper-sf.com

Tickets available here - https://www.operabend.org/die-fledermaus