Portland Opera has announced a reimagined 2020-21 season, which will feature a series of virtual showcases presented on the company’s new digital channel “Portland Opera Onscreen.” “The global pandemic has challenged us: to be problem-solvers, to adapt to new technologies, and to deepen the ways that serve the community,” said General Director Sue Dixon in a press release. “Our newly reimagined {…}
Portland Opera has announced the five artists who will be a part of the organization’s Resident Artist Program in 2020-21. The artists include soprano Lynnesha Crump, mezzo-soprano Jasmine Johnson, tenor David Morgans Sanchez, baritone Michael Parham, and bass Edwin Jhamal Davis. The artists will work with numerous faculty members on voice lessons, musical coaching, language classes, drama and role study, and movement instruction. “We are so excited {…}
The Portland Opera has announced the “Live from the Hampton Opera Center” Virtual Recital Series. These performances will spotlight artists familiar to Portland audiences and will each be an hour-long. They will also be broadcast live from the Hampton Opera Center, Portland Opera’s home in Southeast Portland, where featured artists can follow health and distance protocols. The series begins with {…}
On October 17, 2020, Portland Opera will present “An Evening with Portland Opera: A Free & Virtual Concert from Rose City.” This concert will feature artists whose engagement with the company was interrupted by the pandemic, with all donations going to help secure the company and its members in this unstable time. This hour-long performance will be available for 30 {…}
Portland Opera has announced that Karen Slack and Damien Geter have joined the company as Artistic Advisors. Both Slack and Geter will work alongside General Director Su Dixon on matters such as casting, repertoire, public programming, and community outreach. “Karen and Damien represent a new generation of leadership—informed by their individual commitments to social justice and cultural equity in the {…}
Clare Burovac has been named General Director – Designate of New Orleans Opera, effective immediately. Burovac is the first woman to take the helm of the historic arts organization and succeeds Robert Lyall who is stepping down as General Director, as of September 15, 2020. Lyall will continue serving as Artistic Director for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. “Clare {…}
The Portland Opera has announced that the first two operas of the 2020-21 season, Robert Xavier Rodríguez’s “Frida” and Puccini’s “Tosca,” will be postponed. The company said “that in accordance with guidance from the office of Governor Kate Brown prohibiting large gatherings through September, and with the health and safety of our patrons and staff in mind, Portland Opera will {…}
Portland-based arts philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer has passed away on April 4, 2020. Born on January 10, 1929, Schnitzer grew up in a business setting as her parents were owners of a furniture store. At 20, Arlene married Harold Schnitzer of Schnitzer Steel Industries, who founded Harsch Investment Properties the following year. Over the decades, the couple donated tens of millions {…}
The Portland Opera has announced that its performances of “Bajazet” at the New Mark Theatre have been canceled due to precautions taken against the spread of COVID-19. The performances were slated for March 20-28, 2020. The cancelation was made in compliance with a mandate issued by Oregon State Governor Kate Brown. This was to be the U.S. professional company debut {…}
(Credit: Elle Logan) The Portland Opera has announced its 2020-21 season, which includes five operas and major concert event. “We are thrilled to announce the lineup of our 2020/21 season and the triumphant return of opera to Portland’s beautiful rainy months,” General Director Sue Dixon stated in a press release. “This past year has been one of reflection and listening. As {…}
(Credit: Dario Acosta) The Portland Opera will present the U.S. professional company premiere of Vivaldi and Piovene’s “Bajazet” starting on March 20, 2020 at the Newmark Theatre in Portland, Oregon. The production, which will run for five total shows through March 28, will be led by Erin Helyard of Pinchgut Opera, in his United States debut. Helyard also edited the {…}