on the scene
40 Days and 40 Years
Opera Columbus celebrates anniversary with a run of daily events By Megan Roth Photo courtesy of Terry Gilliam
IN CELEBRATION OF its 40th season, Op-
era Columbus wanted to do something its patrons wouldn’t forget. A single performance was not nearly enough to commemorate something so monumental. But 40 performances over 40 days – that’s more like it. Opera Columbus began its 2021-22 season in December with Tosca, a reprise of the first show the group ever performed. Continuing the anniversary celebration, 40 Days of Opera begins May 4. That series
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features a different performance every day until June 12. More than just a run of shows, 40 Days of Opera serves as an opportunity to thank patrons for their continued support, says Julia Noulin-Mérat, general director and CEO of Opera Columbus. The series goes beyond traditional opera venues to reach a broader audience of both longtime and potential future patrons. Noulin-Mérit says it was important that the performances weren’t held exclusively
in downtown Columbus, but throughout the city. The series presents a chance for guests to celebrate not only opera, but the city itself. “We wanted to find things that would excite people or things people wouldn’t expect,” she says. “There’s a whole audience of people who are very excited to experience opera not at the theater.” Opera Columbus’ tagline, #MakeIt Yours, is reflected in the range of productions the 40 days offer. “Opera Un-
