Maestro Stefano Vignati, currently Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Carolina, will become the company’s General Director. Vignati recently conducted the Puccini Festival Torre del Lago production of “Turandot” during a tour of China, opening centennial celebrations in Xiamen, Chongqing, and Wuhan in the presence of Christopher L. Green, United States Consul General in Wuhan. This summer, he will {…}
Opera Carolina has unveiled its 2026-27 season. The company’s 77th season opens with Mozart’s “Requiem” at the Knight Theater, presented in partnership with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Charlotte Master Chorale. The performance commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Performance Date: Sept. 11, 2026 The company then presents Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium” at the Halton Theater, {…}
Opera Carolina announced that Stefano Vignati, the company’s Music Director and Principal Conductor, has been selected to conduct performances of “Turandot” as part of the global Puccini Centennial celebrations in China. Puccini’s final opera will be presented starting from Dec. 30, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026 at Xiamen Banlam Grand Theatre, followed by performances at the Wuhan Qintai Grand Theatre {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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. {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
(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 {…}
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 {…}