Opera Memphis is set to present “Variations on a Theme – La Divina: A Tribute to Maria Callas” this April. For two nights only, the organization will present a showcase of major artists performing roles and arias associated with the famed diva. Audiences will hear Handorf Company Artists sopranos Kayla Oderah and Marquita Richardson performing alongside local artists soprano Maria {…}
In part of Opera Memphis’ new concert series, “Variations on a Theme” will present “Gershwin and Friends” for its November concert. The cast features Philip Himebook, Marcus King, Kayla Oderah, Marquita Richardson, Shelbi Sellers, and Dexter Tutor. In honor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming show featuring Gershwin and Kurt Weill, the night will include favorites like “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Mack {…}
Over the next month Opera Memphis is set to present several additional concerts and activities. General Director Ned Canty’s interview with Scott Newstok kicks off week three of “30 Days of Opera,” the company’s free concert series starting Sept. 18. The following day Opera Memphis artists will perform at the Memphis Zoo. Next Memphis Animal Services will host the artists {…}
Opera Memphis has announced its 2023-24 season. The company opens with “30 Days of Opera.” Performance Dates: September 2023 Next up will be “The Duncan Williams Asset Management Concert Series” which will take place at Opera Memphis HQ and showcases music by such composers as Gershwin, Schubert, and Britten, among others. Performance Dates: Oct. 7, Nov. 11, 2023, Jan. 27 & {…}
Opera Memphis has announced that Jonathan King will be the new Music Director. King will join the company in August. He recently completed two seasons as Associate Conductor with The Washington Chorus and has served as adjunct faculty at The Peabody Institute, where he coached with Peabody Opera Theatre. King is a doctoral candidate at The University of Maryland and holds {…}
Opera Memphis has announced new staff members. The company revealed that Kathryn Elliott will be its new Director of Education and Shelbi Sellers will be the new Director of Partnerships. Elliott, a graduate of Western Kentucky University and Virginia Commonwealth University, has directed choirs in the secondary choral music classroom for over 10 years. Meanwhile, Sellers is a singer, actor, {…}
Opera Memphis has unveiled its 2023 season which will consist of four showcases. First up is the previously announced “Tosca” starring Leah Hawkins, Rafael Davila, and Todd Thomas. Ari Pelto conducts a production directed by Ned Canty. Performance Dates: Jan. 27 & 28, 2023 “Opera Goes to Mardi Gras” will feature Erika Vasallo and Matthew Soibelman alongside pianist Jacob Kerzner {…}
Opera Memphis is set to present Puccini’s “Tosca” starting on Jan. 27, 2023. The famed Italian work will star Leah Hawkins in the title role alongside Rafael Davila as Cavaradossi and Todd Thomas as Scarpia. Ned Canty will direct while Ari Pelto will conduct. There will also be a behind-the-scenes feature broadcast via WKNO 91.1 FM featuring the creative team {…}
Opera Memphis has announced a major change for its 2022-23 season. Starting during the next season, the company will be moving closer to the city of Memphis’ urban core with performances taking place at the Scheidt Family Music Center at the University of Memphis. The company is also selling offices next to the Memphis / Germantown border, namely the Clark {…}
Opera Memphis has announced a major change for its May 21 performance of “Così fan tutte.” The company revealed that the performance will no longer feature the participation of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra or conductor Moody. Instead, the performance will showcase Jennifer Q. McGuire at the piano accompanying the singers. In an official press statement, the company noted that the {…}
Opera Memphis is once again celebrating opera in Memphis with “30 Days of Opera.” The company will present various concerts throughout the month at locations such as the Stax Museum of American Soul, The Memphis Farmers Market, Overton Square, and Crosstown Concourse. There will also be semi-staged performances of Jake Heggie’s 30-minute monodrama, “At the Statue of Venus” and Sarah {…}