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Fresno Grand Opera Enters New Era With Modesto Partnership

Fresno Grand Opera

This Sunday the stage of the William Saroyan Theatre comes alive in the Fresno Grand Opera’s production of Andre Previn’s opera “A Streetcar Named Desire.” But it’s not just a great chance to hear world class-musicians, it’s also a big moment for the company as it enters a new era.

Last year the Fresno Grand Opera and the Townsend Opera in Modesto joined forces in a partnership that at least in Central California is unprecedented. The companies now share both the same programming, and the same management staff, while remaining distinct entities. 

So what does this mean for valley opera lovers, and what will the future hold for this artistic partnership? We recently spoke with the general director of both companies, Paul Buckman about his vision for this production and for years to come. 

Valley Edition Guest:

Matthew Buckman, general director Fresno Grand Opera & Townsend Opera 

Joe Moore is the President and General Manager of KVPR / Valley Public Radio. He has led the station through major programming changes, the launch of KVPR Classical and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership the station was named California Non-Profit of the Year by Senator Melissa Hurtado (2019), and won a National Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting (2022).