Opera Columbus to Perform ‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

By Francisco Salazar

Opera Columbus is set to present Astor Piazzolla‘s tango opera “María de Buenos Aires.”

The opera will be performed by Monica Danilov makes who her company debut in the title role and Jose Miguel Garcia as El Duende, with Paul La Rosa returning to the company as El Payador. The production will also include dancers from Strictly Tango Columbus. Dennis Whitehead Darling directs, with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra playing Piazzolla’s score under the direction of Rolando Salazar, also in his company debut.

In a statement, Darling said, “This work has the inherent potential to use Tango music and its dance form to tell the surrealist story of Maria de Buenos Aires. Working collaboratively with the tango choreographer, Amie Cressie, to create a performance that produces storytelling through graceful and exact physical action is always exciting.”

The production will mark the first presentation of a Spanish-language opera in the Columbus area, a milestone that Opera Columbus General Director + CEO Julia Noulin-Mérat.

“Producing Spanish-language opera was long overdue for the Columbus community, and we’re thrilled to be presenting Piazzolla’s mesmerizing piece,” she noted. “Maria opens the door to even more members of the wider Columbus community, and invites them to really embrace our motto – ‘Make It Yours’. ”

“María de Buenos Aires” will be performed at the Southern Theatre on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26, 2023.

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