On Oct. 8, the Toledo Opera will open its 2021-22 season with Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” The production will mark the Ohio company’s return to the Valentine Theater after nearly two years due to the pandemic. The performance will star Leah Crocetto as Leonora, Carl Tanner as Manrico, mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel as Azucena, and baritone Kyle Pfortmiller as Count di Luna. Adam Turner will conduct the production by {…}
Toledo Opera has appointed Kevin Bylsma and James (Jim) Norman as co-artistic directors for the Toledo Opera. The company’s executive director Suzanne Rorick announced, “With their combined decades of opera experience, Kevin Bylsma and Jim Norman bring an exciting blend of knowledge and musical expertise to the artistic vision of Toledo Opera.” Bylsma served as head of music preparation for Toledo {…}
Toledo Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Il Trovatore.” The company announced that Leah Crocetto will replace Jennifer Rowley in the role of Leonora. Rowley was set to open the production but due to another cancelation at the Opéra de Rouen, will open the French opera company’s production of “Il Trovatore” instead. Crcoetto, who has appeared {…}
Toledo Opera has announced it is now accepting applications for first-time Toledo area opera-goers to take part in “View Than Voice” focus groups. The initiative’s goal is to build up the next generation of opera fans. Applicants selected to participate in the program will receive two tickets to attend the company’s production of “Il Trovatore” on either Oct. 8 or {…}
Toledo Opera has announced its summer performance schedule for Opera Outdoors. The concerts will be a series of pop-up live performances at outdoor commercial, recreational, and community hubs throughout Toledo. The summer series will feature the Opera’s new 2021-2022 resident artists Grace Wipfli (soprano), Katherine Kincaid (mezzo soprano), Fran Daniel Laucerica (tenor), Andrew Payne (baritone), and Mercy Olson (pianist). They {…}
Ohio’s Toledo Opera has announced its 2021-22 season featuring three productions. The season opens with Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” with Jennifer Rowley as Leonora and Carl Tanner as Manrico. The cast is rounded out by Deborah Nansteel as Azucena and Kyle Pfortmiller as Count di Luna. Adam Turner conducts the production by Jeffrey Buchman. Performance Dates: Oct. 8 & 10, 2021 {…}
Toledo Opera is set to present Duets and Drinks on Jan. 29, 2021. The virtual concert will showcase opera stars (and real-life husband and wife) Kathryn Lewek and Zach Borichevsky in popular opera arias and duets. There will also be a live Zoom cocktail party after the concert who will be able to interact directly with Lewek and Borichevsky. Borichevsky {…}
Toledo Opera has unveiled its 2020-21 season which will feature two operas and a grand tour for the company. “In the fall, hopefully with this dark period behind us, we will have a greater need than ever for the arts and the unparalleled experience of live opera, so we have decided to announce our season at this time,” stated Suzanne {…}
You won’t find a major repertory staple in this weekend’s previews, but all of these works are essential viewing for the opera lover. There are a few world premieres coupled with gems from famed composers that rarely take the stage. Then there’s a masterpiece embedded in this week’s top recommendations (in alphabetical order by company). Le Comte Ory – Edmonton {…}
The Toledo Opera has announced its new season, which will consist of three operas. First up will be Verdi’s “Macbeth,” which will open the season at the Valentine Theatre. The work is set to feature Othalie Graham as Lady Macbeth and Mark Rucker in the title role, with James Meena conducting and Ivan Stefanutti directing. Performance Dates: Oct. 4, 6, {…}
This weekend is all about variety with some companies showcasing perennial classics and three others showing modern works with tremendous socio-political relevance. Das Rheingold – Arizona Opera Opera Arizona will showcase the first installment in Wagner’s famed tetralogy with Mark Delavan as Wotan, Rodell Rosel as Loge, Richard Paul Fink as Alberich, Daveda Karanas as Fricka, and Dana Beth Miller {…}