Catalina Cuervo, Damien Geter, Martin Bakari Headline Portland Opera’s Revamped 2020-21 Season

By David Salazar

Portland Opera has announced a reimagined 2020-21 season, which will feature a series of virtual showcases presented on the company’s new digital channel “Portland Opera Onscreen.”

“The global pandemic has challenged us: to be problem-solvers, to adapt to new technologies, and to deepen the ways that serve the community,” said General Director Sue Dixon in a press release. “Our newly reimagined 20/21 season celebrates the resiliency of the creative spirit with live music and local collaborations—while prioritizing health and wellness for our audiences, artists, and company.”

The season kicks off with “Live From the Hampton Opera Center” virtual recital series. It will feature performances by Katrina Galka, Camille Sherman, Martin Bakari, Damien Geter, and Vanessa Isiguen.

Streaming Dates: Oct. 28 (Galka), Nov. 11 (Sherman), Nov. 18 (Bakari), Dec. 2 (Geter), Dec. 9 (Isiguen), 2020

The company will also feature a Resident Artist Series with recitals featuring Lynnesha Crump, Jasmine Johnson, David Morgans Sanchez, Michael Parham, and Edwin Jhamal. Each performance will spotlight two or more artists alongside pianists Joseph Williams.

Streaming Dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 2021

The company will launch its new digital channel “Portland Opera Onscreen” with a filmed production of “Frida.” The work will be conducted by Andrés Cladera and directed by Andreas Mitisek. Catalina Cuervo and Bernardo Bermudez will star.

Streaming Date: March 20, 2021

The company will present “Journeys to Justice” with several of its Resident Artists and members of the Portland Opera Orchestra and Portland Opera Chorus. Among the pieces spotlighted in the performance are Damien Geter’s “The Talk: Instructions for Black Children When They Interact With the Police;” Dr. Adolphus Hailstork’s “Songs of Love and Justice;” Carlos Simon’s “Night Trip;” Shawn Okpebholo’s “Two Black Churches;” Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ “Your Daddy’s Son;” and Jasmine Barnes’ “Songs for the African Violet.”

Streaming Date: April 16, 2021

The season draws to a close with an outdoor and onscreen performance of “Il Trovatore” as directed by Fenlon Lamb and conducted by George Manahan.

Performance / Streaming Date: May 7, 2021

 

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