Opera Colorado has announced a series of digital performances by its 2019-20 Artists in Residence entitled “An Afternoon of American Song.”

The program, which was originally slated for a live performance in March but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will feature six pre-recorded video sets. The recordings will be released on a weekly basis on the company’s official website and sent to Opera Colorado’s email list and through the company’s social media channels.

Audience members will be able to follow and promote the series with the hashtag #ThisIsAmericanSong. Performers will include Laura Soto-Bayomi, Kira Dills-DeSurra, Thomas Cilluffo, Isaiah Feken, and Eric McConnell.

The theme of this year’s program is “Strands,” and it explores how each and every life weaves together to create the fabric of our world. The program is comprised of six sets featuring repertoire by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Stephen Sondheim, and others.

Cherity Koepke, director of An Afternoon of American Song said, “An Afternoon of American Song has become one of our most treasured programs outside of the opera house. When we realized that we couldn’t have a live performance, we immediately set about finding a different way to present it. For me, it’s a sign that there are ways to produce great art even when faced with major challenges. Though the experience will be different than in years’ past, we hope that it’s just as compelling and enjoyable and provides a few moments of joy during a very unsettled time.”