Many local opera companies are busy preparing for their FREE performances at Artscape 2010. Even better is that all of these performances will take place in casual, air conditioned venues. So put your shorts on and leave your opera glasses at home. Here is a rundown of opera events during Artscape:

• The Verdi Baritone
  Saturday, July 17th at 12:30 - The Brown Center at MICA (1300 W. Mount Royal Avenue - map it)
  Baltimore Concert Opera brings back favorite baritone  Jonathan Carle to perform masterpieces of the Verdi Baritone repertoire. James Harp will accompany this program which will be narrated by Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Artistic director of the Sarasota Opera and a widely recognized authority on the music of Verdi.
• BSO with Rachele Gilmore
  Saturday, July 17th at 2pm - Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (1212 Cathedral Street - map it)
  The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will bring in special guest and rising Metropolitan Opera star Rachele Gilmore to perform a selection of operatic favorites. Christian Colberg will conduct.
• Opera Alive! Scenes from Favorite Operas
  Sunday, July 18th at 1pm - The Brown Center at MICA (1300 W. Mount Royal Avenue - map it)
  Attend Opera Vivente's performance and be enthralled by scenes from famous operas in a variety of styles from Monteverdi to Britten performed by young opera students.
• Women in Love
  Sunday, July 18th at 4pm - The Brown Center at MICA (1300 W. Mount Royal Avenue - map it)
  The favorite theme of many operas is explored by the talented singers of the Lyric Opera of Baltimore.
• The Adventures of the Opera Explorers
  Sunday, July 18th at 4pm - Theatre Project (45 West Preston Street - map it)
  Kids, find out why opera is such a good way to tell a story as the Opera Explorers take you on an arts adventure. Learn about opera and become part of the action, thanks to New Moon Theater.