Editorial Note: A previous version of this article stated that George Manahan was retiring. This is incorrect. He is stepping down from his position but will continue working in different capacities. The article has been altered to reflect this. George Manahan, the Music Director of the Portland Opera for the last nine years, has announced that he will be stepping {…}
Portland Opera has announced that it will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative tests from a COVID PCR test for all ticketholders for the 2021-22 season. Per a press release, “fully vaccinated” means that ticketholders have “received their final vaccination dose of either the two-dose regimen of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of Johnson & Johnson {…}
Portland Opera has announced that Priti Gandhi will be its new artistic director. Gandhi will work alongside general director Sue Dixon as well as artistic advisors Karen Slack and Damien Geter to develop the company’s artistic and repertory planning and casting. She will also engage in the development of the Portland Opera Resident Artist Program and direct the artistic program. {…}
Portland Opera has announced that it will be canceling performances of “Frida” on June 26 and 27. The company stated that the cancellation would be necessary due to “extreme heat warnings.” Per a press release, patrons with tickets to the performances would have an option to attend an added performance scheduled for Friday, June 25. The opera, which was directed {…}
Portland Opera has announced the launch of its Ensemble Leader Fellowship Program, meant to provide meaningful career advancement experiences for emerging professionals of color. The company has named Jasmine Johnson as its very first Ensemble Leaders Fellow during their upcoming 21-22 season and will help develop the program in its pilot year. An alumnus of PO’s Resident Artist program, Johnson {…}
Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theatre have announced a return to live performances this June with events hosted by OMSI at the Jordan Schnitzer CARE Summerstage. Portland Opera is set to take the stage on June 22-27 with a 90-minute version of Robert Xavier Rodríguez’s “Frida;” the showcase will also include a performance by Ballet Folklórico. Catalina Cuervo will star {…}
Portland Opera has announced its 2021-22 season. The company revealed that it will be performing three opera productions in addition to several community, digital, and educational programs. “We’ve spent the past year digging deep into our identity, and listening to community members,” said Sue Dixon, General Director in a press release. “The core of our work is to share stories {…}
On April 16, 2021, Portland Opera will present “Journeys to Justice,” a virtual concert featuring art songs, opera, and short pieces that focus on love, justice, and the experiences of Black Americans. Curated by PO Artistic Advisor Damien Geter, the concert will be directed by Associate Artistic Director for Portland Center Stage Chip Miller. Lance Inouye conducts a roster of {…}
Portland Opera has announced major changes to its 2020-21 season due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. The company announced that it would be postponing its production of “Frida.” The company had originally planned to present the work via its digital channel but has now delayed the production in hopes of showcasing it with a live, socially distanced audience during the summer. {…}
The Portland Opera has announced its Resident Artist Virtual Recital Series in 2021. Each performance will be one hour long and will be broadcast from the Hampton Opera Center, at no cost to the public and with no registration required. Soprano Lynnesha Crump and tenor David Morgans Sanchez will take the stage on Jan. 28, 2021 followed by mezzo-soprano Jasmine {…}
On December 20, 2020, Portland Opera and All Classical Portland will team up to present “Winter Wonderland Sing-Along,” a virtual program of seasonal music and stories to be broadcast by ACP. Hosted by ACP On-Air Hosts, as well as soprano/PO Artistic Co-Advisor Karen Slack, the event will feature countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, flutist Adam Eccleston, and pianist David Saffert. The {…}