(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 {…}
Dr. Shanté Williams has been named the new general director of Opera Carolina, effective July 1. Williams will succeed James Meena, who currently serves as general director and principal conductor. She will be the first woman and first person of color to lead Opera Carolina, which was founded in 1948. In a statement Williams said, “Opera Carolina’s remarkable 75-year history of {…}
At age seven, Stefano Vignati heard a recording of Maria Callas. It was the 1964 “La Traviata” from the Maggio Musicale. He was instantly hooked. “That was my first and and I was, you know, completely caught from this,” the Artistic Director and Founder of the International Lyric Academy told OperaWire in an interview. From there, he would chart a {…}
Opera Carolina closed its 2022-23 season with a fantastic production of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” At the rise of the curtain, the audience was transported to 19th-century Paris. Ercole Sormani’s intricate set design was outstanding. The detailed paintings on the multi-layered drapes showed the characteristics of a lavish parlor and countryside home; this mixed with Michael Baumgarten’s life-like light design created {…}
For its final production of the 2022-23 season, Opera Carolina will present Verdi’s “La traviata.” The famed opera will feature Melinda Whittington as Violetta, Hysung Yu as Germont, and Dominic Armstrong singing the role of Alfredo. Also among the cast members are Ashley West-Davis, Michael Owens, Dan Boye, Ramelle Brooks, John Fortson, and Hannah Hoyt. The company’s artistic director James {…}
Opera Carolina has announced a new partnership with AsLICo, the oldest opera contest which is entering its 74th season. Opera Carolina will host competitors on Dec. 17, allowing them an opportunity to win roles in “Die Zauberflöte” and also becoming a co-producer on the opera; the work will be performed with the winners in Charlotte in 2024. “To partner with {…}
Charlotte’s Opera Carolina has announced its 2022-23 featuring three productions. Alyson Cambridge, John Viscardi, and Steven Condy star in Puccini’s “Tosca.” James Meena conducts James Marvel’s production. Performance Dates: Oct. 13-16, 2022 Gerswhin’s “Porgy and Bess” is set to star Kenneth Overton, Nicole Cabell, Victor Ryan Robertson, Michelle Johnson, Sequina DuBose, Donovan Singletary, and Lucia Bradford. James Meena conducts with Du’Bois A’Keen directing. Performance Dates: Jan {…}
Opera Carolina has announced an expansion of its leadership team. The company has hired Claudio Ferri to be its Director of Development and Nandi Cheathem to be its Director of Finance. The two will commence their tenures during the 2022-23 season. Ferri has worked as General Manager of Royal International Artists and was the Director of the International Lyric Academy {…}
Opera Carolina has announced its 2021-22 season featuring four productions. Here is a look: The season opens with “I Dream” by Douglas Tappin and will star Derrick Davis, Victor Ryan Robertson, Alyson Cambridge, Lucia Bradford, Kenneth Overton, and Avalon Cutts-Jones. James Meena conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. 16-19, 2021 Richard Ollarsaba sings the title role in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni“ with Melinda Whittington, Johnathan White, Gerardo de la Torre, Alex {…}
Opera Carolina has announced changes to its 2020-21 season. The company announced that due to COVID-19, it will be re imagining its season and move toward a digital experience in order to better connect with its audience in these challenging times. The company will announce its lineup in the coming weeks, which will feature Virtual performances (also known as our {…}
