5 Exciting Stars at the Houston Grand Opera’s 2016-17 Winter Season

By Francisco Salazar

The Houston Grand Opera has announced its Winter season for 2017 and it has packed many great operas with some of the leading singers in the world. The following is a look at the most exciting performers to look forward to this upcoming season.

Andriana Chuchman in Adam’s “Nixon in China”

A few years ago Chuchman made her Metropolitan Opera debut surprising audiences all over the world in Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore.” Her acting was impeccable and her coloratura was captivating. She later returned to the company for Lehar’s “The Merry Widow” and Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” and since then has been one of the most promising artists of today. She has appeared at Los Angeles, Dallas and Lyric Opera of Chicago.  In the role of Pat Nixon, Churchman will be making her Houston debut and she is likely to steal the show.

Angela Meade in Verdi’s “Requiem”

Meade has become universally acclaimed for her work in Verdi. She is one of the few sopranos who has championed his work and one that has brought rare works to the spotlight such as “I Due Foscari” and “I Vespri Sicilianni.” In her Houston debut Meade will sing the soprano part in the composer’s monumental Requiem. With Meade’s huge voice and great phrasing, this is an event not to be missed.

Christine Goerke in Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung”

The future Brunhilde at the Metropolitan Opera will sing the final part to Wagner’s Ring Cycle and it is undoubtedly exciting to hear her do the role. Goerke has become one of the most sought-after dramatic sopranos who has achieved great acclaim for her power and lyricism. For those awaiting her in the full Ring Cycle, which she will perform in Chicago, Canada, New York and in Houston, this may be a great preview for what is to come in the next few years.

Lawrence Brownlee in Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio”

Brownlee is undoubtedly one of the most exciting tenors of our time. His bright notes resonate throughout the halls he sings in and it is always a pleasure to see his spontaneity on stage. For audiences already accustomed to his bel canto work, this will be a rare chance to see Brownlee in Mozart. Brownlee’s legato line will definitely be a great fit for Mozart’s lengthy lines and it will be interesting what he brings to the music after exploring the bel canto repertoire for years.

Ryan Speedo Green in Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio”

Green will be making his Houston debut in the role of Osmin. After his breakout this year at the Metropolitan Opera, Green is an artist to definitely look out for. Not only does he have a charming personality on stage but he has an incredibly sonorous voice that resonates through any hall.

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