Opera San José is currently performing a production of “Bluebeard’s Castle” by Shawna Lucey. The new production features tons of easter eggs for the bride Judith and the audience to discover, including items from prior Opera San José productions like “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Tosca,” “Il Segreto,” and “Cinderella.” But the greatest discovery is likely to be Maria Natale. The {…}
(Credit: Courtesy Opera San Jose) Opera San José is set to present an all-new production of Béla Bartók’s one-act opera “Bluebeard’s Castle.” The work will be directed by OSJ General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey and will be conducted by Opera San José Music Director Joseph Marcheso. The psychological thriller, which follows a woman who uncovers terrifying corners of her new husband’s {…}
The Kaufman Music Center will present “Puccini99: A Celebration of Italian Heritage in America” on Nov. 29, 2023 at 8 p.m. The event will feature such artists as Joseph Lodato, Maria Natale and James Valenti. Following this performance, Natale is set to perform “Tosca” with Cedar Rapids Opera. She previously took on the title role of the Puccini classic at {…}
Opera San José (OSJ) and ArtSmart have partnered to provide free voice lessons, musical opportunities, and mentorship for low-income middle and high school students. To celebrate this new collaboration, OSJ and ArtSmart invite Bay Area music lovers to their “Arts for All” fundraising initiative on May 6, 2023, to be hosted at Angelicas in Redwood City’s historic downtown district. The {…}
Opera San José (OSJ) is set to conclude its 2022-23 season with a production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” The production will be led by OSJ Music Director Joseph Marcheso and OSJ’s Resident Director Tara Branham will make her California Theatre debut. Maria Natale will sing the title role of Tosca. The soprano has appeared with such companies as Tulsa Opera, Opera {…}
Tulsa Opera has announced its 2021-22 season which includes two Oklahoma premieres and three new productions. First up, the company will present “Gianni Schicchi” and Verdi’s “Greatest Hits” at ONEOK Field. The production will star Rachel Blaustein, Emily Pulley, Julius Ahn, and Danielle Pastin. Conductor Oriol Sans will conduct while James Robinson will direct. Performance Date: Oct. 15, 2021 Next {…}
(Credit: Steven Kemp/Johnny Tran/Pat Kirk) Opera San José has announced its 2020-21 season with its new General Director Khori Dastoor leading the company. In a press release Dastoor said, “Our current charge is to elevate the company as a vibrant artistic incubator in the heart of Silicon Valley. In its next chapter, Opera San José is committed to expanding access {…}
Opera San José has unveiled its complete cast for the company’s upcoming production of “Die Fledermaus.” The opera will open on Sept. 14, 2019 at the California Theatre, marking the start of the company’s new season. It will feature Michael Morgan, the music director of Festival Opera in Walnut Creek in his company debut with a cast that includes Eugene {…}
Opera San José will conclude its 35th season with Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” directed by Brad Dalton. The production, which features set design by Kent Dorsey and costumes by Alyssa Oania, will run for six performances at the California Theatre in downtown San José. Maria Natale will star in the role of Cio-Cio-san, alongside Dane Suarez and Derek Taylor, who will {…}
The Tulsa Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring three productions. In a press statement Ken McConnell said, “We are pleased to present a season of three operas that showcase fiercely determined and strong female central characters, including Emmeline composed by our own Artistic Director Tobias Picker. Tulsa’s opera audience continues to grow and our community engagement is stronger than ever. {…}
How do you do you engage new audiences? The answer is one 360 of Opera and Shoperatic seem to know very well. You bring it immediately to them. And that is exactly what they did at the Port Authority Bus Terminal00 on May 31, 2017. Joining Sing for Hope and pianist Mary Pinto, sopranos Maria Natale, Suzanne Vinnik- Richards, Jasmina Halimic, {…}