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An afternoon at the opera is taking the stage in Suffolk as a free outdoor performance.

Suffolk Presbyterian Church is hosting the Virginia Opera at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 at the church parking lot, 410 N. Broad St.

The Virginia Opera has created a new series to be part of its Fall Alternative Programing. The series is called “Stayin’ Alive: Curbside Concerts” and will feature four emerging artists who have been home since the pandemic.

“We have an enthusiastic opera lover who is part of our church congregation and also serves on the Virginia Opera board,” said Timothy Price, the music director at Suffolk Presbyterian Church. “He approached me about using our church to help expand this event into Suffolk.”

Thanks to a sponsor at the Virginia Opera, this is a free hour-long concert open to the public. The performers will provide a variety of highlights from operas, Broadway hits, and more.

“It’s a shorter program which makes it very family-friendly,” said Price. “They will be performing lighter opera classics and show tunes. It will be a variety of music and unlike a normal sit-down opera.”

There are two options to enjoy this performance. The drive-in option allows guests to sit in the comfort of their cars to hear the concerts. For the picnic option, guests can bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit in the grass. Social distancing and masks are required for those on the lawn.

“There are no tickets, but you might want to show up earlier to get a good spot,” said Price. “We will set up areas for social distancing that families can picnic at, and kids will have some room to roam. If people are not as comfortable, they can stay in their cars and roll down their windows to enjoy.”

Find out more about the program and performers, visit vaopera.org/stayin-alive.