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News

Opera Carolina Announces Classical Artists Fund

https://operawire.com/opera-carolina-announces-classical-artists-fund/

Opera Carolina has announced the launch of the Classical Artists Fund. The Classical Artists Fund will offer assistance for auditions, training, professional development, emergency support, and lost contract compensation. The program extends beyond singers to include stagehands, union crews, costume and set designers, directors, choreographers, musicians, and other creative professionals. “Opera is powered by artists whose brilliance often outshines the {…}

News

Opera Carolina to Present ‘A Night To Remember’

https://operawire.com/opera-carolina-to-present-a-night-to-remember/

Opera Carolina is set to present “A Night To Remember” on Nov. 1, 2025 at Belk Theater. The gala will feature a concert honoring the iconic heroines of Giacomo Puccini, featuring artists from around the world. Presented in collaboration with the Festival Puccini of Torre del Lago, the concert takes the form of storytelling through Puccini, highlighting the women who {…}

News

Latonia Moore, Erin Morley, Daniela Barcellona, & Lawrence Brownlee Lead Opera Carolina’s 2025-26 Season

https://operawire.com/latonia-moore-erin-morley-daniela-barcellona-lawrence-brownlee-lead-opera-carolinas-2025-26-season/

Opera Carolina has announced its 2025-26 Season. The season opens with Pergolisi’s Stabat Mater performed in remembrance of the events of 9/11. Corey Lovelace and Leyla Martinucci star alongside the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and conductor  Emily Jarrell Urbanek. Performance Date: Sept. 11, 2025 “A Night To Remember” will feature music by Giacomo Puccini. This gala concert will be held at {…}

News

Opera Carolina Names New Music Director & Principal Conductor

https://operawire.com/opera-carolina-names-new-music-director-principal-conductor/

Opera Carolina has named Stefano Vignati to the position of Music Director and Principal conductor. He started his new role on May 1, 2025. Vignati made his company debut in 2023, leading “The Marriage of Figaro.” In his new role, he will conduct at least one mainstage production per season and will also shape the musical direction of the organization. {…}

News

Former Opera Carolina Production Director Files Lawsuit Against Company & General Director

https://operawire.com/former-opera-carolina-production-director-files-lawsuit-against-company-general-director/

Former production director Michael Baumgarten has filed a lawsuit against Opera Carolina and General Director Shanté Williams. In a lawsuit filed at the Mecklenburg County Court, Baumgarten argues that the company and its General Director failed to uphold his employment contract as director of production when he was fired without cause last fall. Baumgarten is seeking in excess of $25,000 {…}

News, Season Announcement

Denyce Graves, Erin Morley, Lawrence Brownlee, & Latonia Moore Among Opera Carolina’s 2025-26 Season Headliners

https://operawire.com/denyce-graves-erin-morley-lawrence-brownlee-latonia-moore-among-opera-carolinas-2025-26-season-headliners/

Opera Carolina has unveiled its 2025-26 lineup, marking the first season under new management. “A Night to Remember” opens the season. The concert is presented in partnership with the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago. Performance Date: November 1, 2025 The “9/11 Commemorative Concert” features a performance of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater.” Performance Date: September 11, 2025 A double bill of Puccini’s {…}

News

Claudio Ferri Named Artistic Director & Deputy General Director of Opera Carolina

https://operawire.com/claudio-ferri-named-artistic-director-deputy-general-director-of-opera-carolina/

(Photo credit: Jorge Torres) Opera Carolina has named Claudio Ferri as its new Artistic Director and Deputy General Director. Ferri has worked with Opera Carolina since the 2022-23 season. He began in the position of Director of Development. In 2024, he was appointed as Deputy General Director by the company’s General Director, Dr. Shanté Williams. Ferri took on his newest {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Opera Carolina’s Dr. Shanté Williams on Passionate Leadership & Her New Role at Opera Carolina

https://operawire.com/q-a-opera-carolinas-dr-shante-williams-on-passionate-leadership/

Entrepreneur extraordinaire Dr. Shanté Williams, is a notable businesswoman, intellectual property strategist, specialist in neuro-oncology and pharmacology, and the first woman and person of color to lead Opera Carolina in the role of General Director. Dr. Williams talked with OperaWire about her unique journey to the opera world, her leadership style, and plans for the company. OperaWire: You hold degrees {…}

Business, News

Opera Carolina Names New General Director

https://operawire.com/opera-carolina-names-new-general-director/

Dr. Shanté Williams has been named the new general director of Opera Carolina, effective July 1. Williams will succeed James Meena, who currently serves as general director and principal conductor. She will be the first woman and first person of color to lead Opera Carolina, which was founded in 1948. In a statement Williams said, “Opera Carolina’s remarkable 75-year history of {…}