In Portland Opera's New Theater, an Animated Opera Tells a Harrowing True Story

""T his building gets us closer to the people," says Portland Opera artistic director Alfrelynn Roberts. She's showing off the organization's new location, occupying three floors in downtown Portland's World Trade Center complex. After the 2024 sale of its longtime southeast home base, Portland Opera announced a strategic decision to move across the river in early 2025. Continued activation of downtown Portland is important to Portland Opera, and its new location makes them a nucleus."

""Everything that happens on the waterfront is visible here-the Starlight Parade, the Portland Marathon," says marketing and communications director Christina Post. "We're hoping to activate our plaza space during these and other events. Our outdoor opera program, Opera a la Cart, could be set up on the plaza." One set plan connects Portland Opera with the upcoming Winter Light Festival, held February 6-14, 2026."

"Post describes the music library as "tremendous," and the space's sound booths are bookable for private rehearsals and coaching. Portland Opera still plans to hold its larger performances within the theaters at Portland'5-"different locations mean different audience reach," Post explains-but the organization's new 200-seat theater will host niche, interesting works that might draw a smaller crowd. In mid-December, they're presenting an immersive showing of Opera ParallèIe's Everest, described by the San Francisco company as a"

Portland Opera moved into three floors of downtown Portland's World Trade Center after selling its longtime southeast home base in 2024 and deciding to relocate across the river in early 2025. The new location positions the company as a downtown nucleus and increases visibility for waterfront events like the Starlight Parade and the Portland Marathon. The organization plans plaza activations, outdoor Opera a la Cart performances, and a nightly balcony kickoff for the Winter Light Festival. New offices include a large music library and bookable sound booths for rehearsals. A 200-seat theater will present niche works while larger productions remain at Portland'5 venues.

Read at Portland Mercury