Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) invites the community to pack a picnic and settle in beneath the trees for Opera Under the Oaks, a family outdoor concert, 4-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 at Godric Grove in Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road. Gates open at 2:30 p.m.
The second Opera Under the Oaks concert of 2026, the program offers a preview of OSB’s 2026|27 mainstage season, with performers presenting arias and ensembles from the three operas coming to the Lobero Theatre this year.
The operas are Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” and the California premiere of Craig Bohmler and Steven Mark Kohn’s “Riders of the Purple Sage.”
Arias from other opera favorites are included in the 90-minute program developed by Kostis Protopapas, Opera Santa Barbara’s (OSB) artistic & general director.
Performers for the concert include Oriana Falla, soprano; Alexandra Bass, mezzo-soprano; Arnold Geis, tenor; and Matthew Peterson, baritone, accompanied on piano by Catherine Miller.
“There is no better setting to hear a curated selection from our upcoming season and other opera classics performed by some of my favorite artists,” Protopapas said. “I’m delighted to continue our collaboration with the Elings Park Foundation for a second time this year due to the popularity of our June concert A Celebration of American Song.
Tickets prices are: $20 in advance; $25 at the door; free for children and teens ages 18 and under.
Attendance is limited. For tickets and information, visit Operasb.org or call 805-898-3890.
Parking near the venue is available, but some walking is required. A map with detailed directions will be provided to ticket holders.
Drinks and snacks will be for sale at the event entrance, or bring your own. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and seat cushions.
Since 1994, Opera Santa Barbara has staged more than 95 productions of opera favorites, lesser-known classics, and contemporary American works featuring nationally recognized performers, as well as artists and local craftspeople.
Beyond its mainstage productions, the company develops the talent of emerging singing actors; educates children in the art and meaning of music theater; and provides free educational and musical programs to the broader Santa Barbara region.
For more, visit operasb.org.