This 4th of July weekend join the WHMF Community Opera Chorus and cast for a hilarious comic opera. Find out what happens when a young man, madly in love with a beautiful woman who spurns him, puts his faith in a sketchy character’s expensive love potion. Traditionally set in the rural Basque region in Spain in the late 18th century it could take place anywhere, anytime, even in the picturesque village of Winter Harbor! Two performances only Saturday at 6 and Sunday at 2.

The Community Opera program was founded in 2019 by Deiran Manning. It offers singers who are building their careers the chance to perform major roles and local singers the opportunity to be an integral part of an opera production. The chorus is year-round and, in addition to being in several operas annually, forms a core of dedicated singers for community sing-ins such as Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

All operas and choral works are presented with an orchestra composed of community musicians; the Downeast Chamber Orchestra, which has evolved along with the chorus and the development of the opera program. Members give countless hours of their time in practice and rehearsal for love of the music and the opportunity to grow Downeast Maine’s only community orchestra.