Tulsa Opera announced that Lori Dector Wright is its new General Director and CEO, effective Nov. 6, 2023. Dector Wright’s career has seen her work with such organizations as Opera San Jose and Sweet Adelines International. She has also led Kendall Whittier, Inc. as Executive Director and is the District 7 City Counselor for the City of Tulsa. “I am {…}
Tulsa Opera has canceled its two MainStage 2023-24 season production due to financial struggles. In a statement, the company said, “given the financial challenge for our upcoming year, we unfortunately must make a significant change to the upcoming season. We have canceled the performances for ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ in October and ‘La Traviata’ in May. Please know we share your disappointment {…}
On June 4, 2022, the Tulsa Opera will broadcast its 2021 performance “Greenwood Overcomes” which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre. The showcase, which will be presented via public media stations on June 4 and then will stream on-demand on CRB Classical starting on June 5, featured works by 23 living Black composers, performed by Black artists. Performers {…}
The Tulsa Opera will premiere a new production of “Salome” on April 29 and May 1, 2022 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The cast of this production stars Julia Mintzer, Wayne Tigges, Jay Hunter Morris, Katharine Goeldner, César Delgado, Kevin Thompson, Ryan Belongie, Kevin Thompson, Spencer Hamlin, Ashraf Sewailam, Pavel Suliandziga, Makudupanyane Senaoana, Marc Molomot, Jason Ferrante, and Joe {…}
Tulsa Opera has announced its 75th anniversary season. The company will kick things off with the company premiere of Rossini’s “The Italian Girl.” The opera will star Allegra De Vita, Aaron Crouch, Robert Mellon, Ashraf Sweailam, Abigail Raiford, and V. Savoy McIlwain. Leslie Dunner conducts the production by Kimille Howard. Performance Dates: Oct. 28 & 30, 2022 Next up is {…}
(Credit: Breeanne Clowdus) Tulsa Opera has announced a major cast change for its upcoming production of “Salome.” The organization noted that tenor Jay Hunter Morris will be taking on the role of Herod, replacing Anthony Dean Griffey who was originally cast in the part. Morris is also set to take on the role with the Bard Conservatory Orchestra in a {…}
Tulsa Opera has postponed its upcoming production of Tobias Picker’s “Emmeline.” The opera was set to open on February 25 and 27, 2022. It will now be featured as part of the company’s 2022-23 season. “Like many arts organizations around the country, we have been monitoring the ever-changing public health situation relating to COVID-19 and have made the difficult decision {…}
Toledo Opera has postponed all performances of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s “Blue” amid a spike in COVID cases and hospitalizations in the community. The announcement was made by the staff and board of the company who believe that “the safety of the community, performers, and staff is the top priority and postponing the performances is the most responsible course {…}
Tulsa Opera is set to present a new production of Tobias Picker’s “Emmeline” this February. The production, which kicks off on Feb. 25 and 27, 2022, will feature a star-studded cast led by soprano Maria Natale, baritone Kenneth Overton, tenor Aaron Crouch, and soprano Leona Mitchell. Other cast members include Nathan Stark, Jennifer Roderer, Andrew Potter, and Sam Briggs. Francesco {…}
Tulsa Opera has announced an additional performance of its “Greenwood Overcomes” program on May 2, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The program is also being performed on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. That first showcase will be streamed on the company’s official website. In a press release, the company cited “high demand” as the reason for adding its {…}
The Black Opera Alliance has issued a statement after the Tusla Opera removed Daniel Bernard Roumain’s “They Still Want to Kill Us” aria from the upcoming “Greenwood Overcomes” concert. In a written response, the organization said, “Mr. Roumain’s composition is reflective of a personal connection to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 as a Black American. Tulsa is a city {…}
