Portland Opera has received a $22,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in support of its upcoming production of “The Snowy Day.” The opera by Joel Thompson and Andrea Davis Pinkney centers on Peter as he explores his neighborhood during a snowy day. The work premiered in December 2021 at the Houston Grand Opera. This run of {…}
Portland Opera announced on Jan. 4, 2024 that it will sell its southeast Portland headquarters building. The Hampton Opera Center’s 44,835 square feet space has been home to the company’s administrative offices, performance space, costume shop, and rehearsal spaces since 2003. The building was purchased from KPTV for $5 million. The sale will help alleviate the company’s debt accrued during {…}
Portland Opera has announced that Alexis Walker is the second Ensemble Leaders Fellow. Walker is a member of Pacific University’s Chamber Singers. She has also performed with the American Choral Directors Association and the Oregon Music Educators Association. She has also worked in theater as a Stage Manager and Assistant Producer and is a vocal instructor and Voice Program Director {…}
(Photo credit: Cory Weaver) Portland Opera has announced the receipt of a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The grant for $31,669 aims to support the company’s workshop of “The Factotum.” The opera, created by Will Liverman and DJ King Rico, sets the famed Rossini opera “The Barber of Seville” in a Black barbershop n Chicago. The work feaures opera, {…}
Portland Opera to Go is set to present “Cinderella.” The company will tour throughout the state of Oregon after two public showcases of the Rossini classic on Dec. 9 and 10, 2023. Audiences will get a chance to see Sarah Curtis as Angelina, Alianis Paola as Tisbe, Maddy Ross as Clorinda, Justin Daley as Don Magnifico, Matteo Adams as Prince {…}
Portland Opera’s Resident Artist Program has announced this year’s artists including the program’s first collaborative pianist, Edward Forstman. Joining Forstman are soprano Judy Yannini, tenor Antonio Domino, tenor Roland Hawkins II, and baritone Sankara Harouna. During their eight-month residency, artists will engage in master classes that emphasize vocal technique, music training, language instruction, theater, dance, and movement. They will receive {…}
(Photo by Garrick Antikajian) Portland Opera is set to bring back its “Opera a la Cart” this summer. The tour kicked off on July 6 at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland. On July 11, the company heads to Happy Valley Library with a performance to follow on July 12 at The Fields Park. Next will be a showcase at {…}
Portland Opera has announced the lineup up for its 2023-24 season, featuring familiar and new works. “The art form of opera has always been shaped by time, and we are excited to be part of its evolution,” said Sue Dixon, General Director, in an official press statement. “This season, we are thrilled to usher in new works, continue to share {…}
Portland Opera has announced that it will receive a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of “Thumbprint.” The opera by Kamala Sankaram and Susan Yankowitz tells the story of Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani activist who fought for freedom after surviving government-sanctioned sexual violence. “We are so grateful for the support from the National Endowment for {…}
Portland Opera has announced the second year of its Ensemble Leaders Fellowship Program, which aims to provide artistic and administrative career advancement opportunities to those from underrepresented backgrounds. The pilot fellowship took place last year, with Jasmine Johnson being named the first Ensemble Leaders Fellow. Johnson will return for the 2022-23 season as the company works towards expanding the program {…}
Portland Opera has commissioned composer Dave Ragland and librettist Mary McCallum to create a new opera for the “Portland Opera to Go tour” this fall. “Beatrice,” a 50-minute work which will be inspired by the life and story of Beatrice Morrow Cannady, will bow on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Hampton Opera Center. The work has been written for {…}
