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 {…}
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 {…}
