Q & A: Opera Carolina’s Dr. Shanté Williams on Passionate Leadership & Her New Role at Opera Carolina

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 {…}

Apr 15, 2024

Opera Columbus to Present ‘The Temple’

Opera Columbus is set to conclude its 42nd season with a new take on Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” The company will present “A Magic Flute Experience: The Temple” which will run between April 19 and 28. The performances will be held at a secret, speakeasy location in Downtown Columbus which will be revealed to ticket holders 36 hours before their {…}

Feb 13, 2024

Opera Columbus Names Inaugural Principal Guest Conductor

Opera Columbus has named Dr. Everett McCorvey as the inaugural Principal Guest Conductor. The appointment marks a new chapter in the opera company’s legacy, enhancing its commitment to artistic brilliance and innovation. The conductor will begin a three-year engagement with the Columbus company in February 2024. McCorvey is the founder and music director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the director {…}

Feb 9, 2024

Opera Columbus to Present Historic Production of ‘Eugene Onegin’

Opera Columbus is set to present “Eugene Onegin” for the first time in the city’s history. The famed Tchaikovsky opera opens on March 1 and 2 at the Ohio Theatre and features a cast starring Lydia Grindatto as Tatyana, Morgan Smith in the title role, Dane Duarez as Lensky, and HIlary Ginther as Olga Larina. Rosetta Cucchi directs and Roseen {…}

Jan 25, 2024

Opera Columbus & Columbus Symphony Orchestra Present ‘Eugene Onegin’

(Photo credit: Curtis Brown Photography) For the first time in Columbus, Ohio, Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra put on Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” Soprano Lydia Grindatto leads the cast as Tatyana, with baritone Morgan Smith in the title role. Tenor Dane Suarez sings Vladimir Lensky and mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther takes on the role of Olga Larina. They are joined {…}

Sep 13, 2023

Tesia Kwarteng Leads Opera Columbus’ ‘Carmen’

Opera Columbus will open its 2023-24 season with Bizet’s “Carmen.” The production will be performed at the Southern Theatre stage on Sept. 29 and Oct. 1 alongside the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. The new production will be directed by 2022-2023 Crane Directing Fellow Sarah Dahnke and will be conducted by Dr. Everett McCorvey. In a statement, Dahnke said, “The way ‘Carmen’s’ {…}

Jul 22, 2023

Opera Columbus Welcomes Three New Staff Administrators

Opera Columbus announced the promotion of two staff members into new arts administration roles and welcomed a new member to the team. Rachel Will (she/her), who served as Creative Programs Director and the Cooper-Bing Competition Associate Producer, will move into the role of Director of Advancement. She will manage and optimize Opera Columbus’ organizational development processes and will continue in {…}

Apr 7, 2023

Opera Columbus Announces 2023-24 Season

Opera Columbus has announced its 2023-24 season featuring four productions. The season opens with Bizet’s “Carmen” starring Tesia Kwarteng in the title role. The 90-minute production explores sexual freedom, social hierarchies, and the class system and will also see the return of Adam Diegel as Don Jose. “Carmen” will be stage directed by 2022-23 CRANE Directing Fellow, Sarah Dahnke, and {…}

Mar 20, 2023

Opera Columbus & Columbus Symphony to Co-Present ‘Rigoletto’

On March 31, 2023, Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony will co-present Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” Conductor Rossen Milanov and director Eve Summer lead a cast comprised of Hyung Yun in the title role, David Blalock as the Duke, Aubry Ballaro as Gilda, Eric McKeever as Monterone, Cody Muller as Sparafucile, Hilary Ginther as Maddalena, and more. The collaboration comes as part {…}

Feb 2, 2023

Opera Columbus to Perform ‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Opera Columbus is set to present Astor Piazzolla‘s tango opera “María de Buenos Aires.” The opera will be performed by Monica Danilov makes who her company debut in the title role and Jose Miguel Garcia as El Duende, with Paul La Rosa returning to the company as El Payador. The production will also include dancers from Strictly Tango Columbus. Dennis {…}

Nov 23, 2022

Opera Columbus Names New Board President

Opera Columbus has announced that Femi Adeyanju will be its new Board president. “I am very excited to continue working with the talented Opera Columbus staff and our wonderful board members,” said Adeyanju, who has been a board member for more than five years, in an official press statement. “Opera Columbus is focused on reimagining the opera experience to create fun, {…}

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