Three of Maine’s most famous opera singers will return home for a special concert honoring PORTopera’s 20th season. Kate Aldrich, Ashley Emerson and Suzanne Nance will appear at the “Maine’s Divas Come Home” concert on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Center. The evening's program will include arias, ensembles, and a surprise or two from various operas by a diverse selection of composers.

Damariscotta's Kate Aldrich

Recognized for her strong acting ability and versatility, Damariscotta native Kate Aldrich is a mezzo-soprano who has performed in some of the world’s greatest theaters, including the Metropolitan Opera, Zurich Opera, the Bavarian Staatsoper Munich and the Salzburg Festival.

In 2006, Aldrich received the Radok Theatre Prize for best actress on stage in the Czech Republic in addition to the Thalie Prize for best singer in the Czech Republic for her interpretation of the role of Sesto in la Clemenza di Tito. She was featured in Franco Zeffirelli’s “Aida” and is a past recipient of the Richard Tucker Grant and winner of the Operalia Culturarte.

She is a member of PORTopera’s advisory board and was the first Maine native to fill a principal role in one of PORTopera’s major productions when she sang the title role in “Carmen.” Her parents, formerly of Damariscotta, now live in Alna.

Ashley Emerson of Bangor

Called a “vocal and dramatic delight,” USM School of Music graduate soprano Ashley Emerson, from Bangor, is well known for her enthusiastic stage presence. During the 2013-2014 season Emerson appeared with The Metropolitan Opera in “Two Boys” and “Die Frau ohne Schatten.” She has previously performed with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Pittsburgh Opera, Missouri Chamber Music Festival, the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood and with PORTopera in La Fille du Regiment.

She has been involved in PORTopera’s Maine Emerging Artists Program and her first main stage opera performance was in PORTopera’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor in 2003.

Suzanne Nance of Chicago

Soprano Suzanne Nance is a renowned for her exceptional range, comedic timing, and ability to captivate an audience. She has appeared with Chicago’s Intimate Opera Company and at events around the world, including La Musica Lirica in Italy. Currently a host and producer at Chicago’s WFMT, Nance previously created, produced and hosted the Emmy-award winning series MaineArts! on Maine’s MPBN. Nance has been featured on numerous PBS and NPR programs and has appeared on Good Morning America. A resident of Chicago, Nance’s connection to Maine remains strong; she is engaged to a resident of Cape Elizabeth.

Acclaimed pianist Martin Perry will accompany. Perry has performed with the Boston Pops, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic, Baltic Philharmonic, and many more.

Tickets are $65 for general admission or $110 for tickets to the concert and a VIP Champagne Reception. Tickets are available online at porttix.com or by calling 207-842-0800. For more information about PORTopera visit www.portopera.org.