This week the Seattle Opera is set to world premiere “Jubilee” created by Tazewell Thompson and with vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell and orchestrations by Michael Ellis Ingram. The work tells the story of the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers that came together after the emancipation and the end of the Civil War. The work features important spiritual and and {…}
(Image from Seattle Opera Website) Seattle Opera is set to present a series of events ahead of the world premiere of Tazewell Thompson’s “Jubilee” this October. “The story of ‘Jubilee’ is such a moving one because it is about real people who led full lives and overcame significant challenges,” said Dennis Robinson Jr., Director of Programs and Partnerships, in an {…}
The Seattle Opera has announced that James Robinson will be its next General and Artistic Director of Seattle Opera. Robinson will be the fifth person to lead the company in its 61-year history and will begin his tenure on September 4, 2024, replacing Christina Scheppelmann, who takes over as General and Artistic Director of Brussels’ La Monnaie/De Munt in January {…}
(Photo credit: Seattle Opera) In celebration of Pride Month, Seattle Opera will host a special crossover recital featuring local drag queen and opera performer Anita Spritzer (AKA John Marzano). Spritzer a rising star in both drag and opera, will bring her big wigs, operatic personality, and luscious tenor voice to a musical program featuring pieces from across the opera and musical {…}
Seattle Opera has announced its 2024-25 season. “The 2024-25 season really offers something for everybody,” said general director Christina Scheppelmann in an official press statement. “We’re bringing in some of our audiences’ all-time favorite operas, like ‘Tosca’ and ‘The Magic Flute,’ in addition to a pair of remarkable new pieces from some of today’s most acclaimed and imaginative creators. And {…}
Seattle Opera is set to present “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” this February. The famed opera by Thulani Davis and Anthony Davis will be presented in a production by Robert O’Hara and stars Kenneth Kellogg in the title role. He is joined by Joshua Stewart, Joshua Conyers, Leah Hawkins, Ronnita Miller, and Allison Pohl, among others. Kazem {…}
Seattle Opera released the details of its youth activities planned for the winter season. The company’s lineup of youth education programs comes swiftly after its $250,000 Hearst Foundations grant. The grant builds on Seattle Opera’s existing in-school K–12 programs, and allows for for developing programs and strengthening partnerships with Highline Public Schools. The Pacific Science Center hosts “Laser Opera.” Dramaturg {…}
Seattle Opera has announced the lineup for its 60th anniversary concert “Windows from the Past, Doors to the Future.” The event, scheduled for one night only on May 11, 2023 at McCaw Hall, will feature Greer Grimsley as both co-host and singer. He is joined by Ginger Costa-Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Williams, Sarah Coburn, John Moore, Duke Kim, Amitai Pati, and {…}
Seattle Opera has announced that Chris Burkett will be its next Director of Development. Burkett assumed the role in October 2023 and has been with the company since 2018 when he was hired as an Individual Giving Officer. Then in 2021, he took over the role of Associate Director of Development for Individual Giving. “I am honored to be entrusted {…}
(Photo credit: Seattle Opera) Seattle Opera is partnering with Intentionalist, ARTE NOIR, and Wa Na Wari to host a Black Artists Market in support and celebration of local Black artisans. Nearly two dozen booths representing Black artists and Black-owned small businesses will fill the halls of the Opera Center. The Black Artists Market coincides with the Seattle Christmas Market, performances {…}
On Nov. 3, 2023, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band and Seattle Opera Veterans Choir will perform the concert “Portraits of Service,” featuring the debut of “The Path,” a new song by composer Damien Geter and lyricist Jerre Dye. “‘The Path’ captures an intimate exchange between two veterans at very different moments in their lives,” said lyricist {…}