James Knox, left, Melissa Bagwell and Jimena Shepherd will perform various arias, duets and trios during a fundraiser for Rotary Club International's PolioPlus program.

If you are an opera fan, there’s a new reason to sing.

On Saturday afternoon, three local singers will stage “Operalicious,” a free opera performance at the First United Methodist Church in Bend.

While most operas combine dramatic work in a theatrical setting, this event — a fundraiser for Rotary Club International’s PolioPlus program that seeks to eradicate polio — is rather unconventional. It’s formatted as a recital of arias, duets and trios performed by baritone James Knox and sopranos Jimena Shepherd and Melissa Bagwell. Pianists Jean Shrader and Jonathan Shepherd will provide accompaniment.

The name, “Operalicious,” is just as original.

“We wanted something that felt accessible and fun and modern,” said Bagwell, who also serves as the event producer and organizer. “There is this concept that opera and classical music can feel inaccessible; there’s a little bit of comedy (in the name).”

The production, said Bagwell, is meant for everyone, not just the elite.

“You don’t have to … have studied (opera) extensively to love and enjoy it,” she said.

While Regal Cinemas in the Old Mill District regularly broadcasts live performances from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, opportunities to enjoy live opera in Central Oregon are scarce.

Bend was once home to the Obsidian Opera Company, which began in 1997 and produced several performances each year.

The company folded in early 2008 due in part to financial issues, according to Shrader, Obsidian’s former music director.

Its absence has left a hole in the local opera scene.

“If you want to go see an opera right now, you have to go to Portland or Eugene and spend a hefty ticket price,” said Bagwell.

Through “Operalicious,” Bagwell hopes to rejuvinate opera in Central Oregon. She said she plans to produce similar fundraising concerts in the future.

A classically trained singer with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance, Bagwell created the event “to share (her) love of music,” she said.

The fundraiser is a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bend, where Bagwell is a member. While the concert is free, donations for PolioPlus will be accepted, and raffle tickets and refreshments will be sold during intermission.

Local singers Shepherd and Knox, who Bagwell described as “passionate about music,” agreed to perform for free.

Audiences can expect to hear a variety of pieces, said Bagwell, ranging from “serious and whimsical” to “fiesty and fiery.”

Selections are a mix of classics by artists such as Mozart and Verdi and newer pieces by 20th-century composers Carlisle Floyd and Douglas Moore.

Typical of opera, only a handful of songs will be performed in English. Most will be sung in French, Italian and German, with occasional commentary added for context.

But the main themes transcend language barriers, according to Bagwell. Universal ideas such as love, faithfulness and risk are explored through emotion and music.

“Even if you don’t understand the words,” she said, “you can understand what (the characters) are feeling.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0351, egross@bendbulletin.com

If you go

What: “Operalicious”

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: First United Methodist Church, 680 N.W. Bond St., Bend

Cost: Free, donations requested

Contact: www.melissabagwell.com, operaliciousbend@gmail.com or 541-382-1672