Despite living in a horrific Nazi concentration camp, Jaap Polak and Ina Soep continued to write love letters to one another. The couple’s letters were published in 2000 and were featured in a documentary film of this same title. Their relationship inspired Composer Gerald Cohen and librettist Deborah Brevoort‘s first opera together, “Steal a Pencil for Me.” The couple was {…}
(Credit: Courtesy of Opera Colorado) Opera Colorado has announced that Greg Carpenter, the company’s Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director has resigned. The resignation will be effective after the 2024-25 Season. The departure will mark the end of an era for the company, during which time Carpenter made significant contributions to the growth and artistic development of the organization. Carpenter {…}
(Credit: Courtesy of Opera Colorado) Opera Colorado has announced the 2024-25 Artists in Residents. The company said that this year’s artists will be soprano Hallie Schmidt, mezzo-soprano Melanie Dubil, tenor Daniel Miller, baritone Alex Granito, bass-baritone Oliver Poveda Zavala, and bass James Eder. The program provides singers with training, coaching, and myriad performance opportunities at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and {…}
Opera Colorado has unveiled its 2024-25 season. The season opens with “The Daughter of the Regiment” with a cast starring Katrina Galka, Andrew Stenson, Stefano de Peppo, Catherine Cook, and Monét X Change. Chía Patiño directs and Ari Pelto conducts. Performance Dates: Nov. 9 – 17, 2024 Then comes “La Bohème” starring Raquel González, Kathryn Lewek, Zach Borichevsky, Timothy Mix, Matthew {…}
In 2015, Opera Colorado appointed its first-ever Music Director, Ari Pelto. For the last eight years, he has been widely celebrated with the company conducting a wide array of repertoire and bringing the company’s artistic powers to the fore. He has also been in demand at opera houses and concert halls throughout the United States at the Spoleto Festival, Lyric {…}
Opera Colorado has announced the 2023-24 Artists in Residence. The company said that soprano Kerby Baier, soprano Saane Halaholo, mezzo-soprano Melanie Dubil, tenor Randy Ho, baritone Alexander Granito, and bass-baritone Turner Staton will join the acclaimed Opera Colorado Artists in Residence Program. Additionally, pianist Oleg Bellini, former Artist in Residence, has been appointed Resident Collaborative Pianist, a permanent position with Opera Colorado’s music staff. In a {…}
Opera Colorado and the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver are set to present Loveland native Michelle DeYoung. The recital will be held on March 30, 2023 in the Gates Concert Hall and will include songs by Ziesl, Duparc, Mahler, and Korngold. Pianist Cody Guy Garrison will join DeYoung. The Colorado-born mezzo-soprano {…}
Opera Colorado has announced a cast change for its production of Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt.” The company said that soprano Sara Gartland, cast in the roles of Marie and Marietta, is unable to sing due to a neurological condition likely caused by a past COVID-19 infection. Providing vocals for the four performances will be soprano Kara Shay Thomson, while Ms. Gartland {…}
Opera Colorado continues its 2022-23 Season with a new production of Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt.” The opera, which opens on Feb. 25 and runs through March 5, will be presented for the first time at Opera Colorado. In a statement, says Greg Carpenter, the Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director said, “Celebrating forty years of grand opera at Opera Colorado {…}
Opera Colorado has announced its 2023-24 Season featuring three productions. “Our 41st season offers something for opera lovers and the opera curious alike, including perennial favorites, epic tales, and evocative music,” said Greg Carpenter, The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director. “I am thrilled to bring Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman to life for the first time since 1997 with a {…}
On September 10, 2022, Opera Colorado will present a special one-night production of Mascagni’s “Cavalleria rusticana” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The semi-staged performance will see director David Lefkowich and music director Ari Pelto lead a cast featuring Catherine Martin as Santuzza, Catherine Cook as Lucia, Malcolm McKenzie as Alfio, Roberto de Biasio as Turridu, and former OC Artist {…}