World Premiere of ‘Phoenix: A Musical Testimony of Women’s Rights Struggle in Iran’ Opens For International Women’s Day

The story of Nika Shakarami’s story has inspired a new musical work, written by the Iranian American creative team of composer Sahba Aminikia and librettist Zara Houshmand. “Phoenix,” (or “Qaqnus” in Persian) receives its world premiere on March 10 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. On Sept. 20, 2022, 16-year-old Nika Shakarami joined other Iranian girls and citizens in protesting the {…}

Sep 12, 2023

OrpheusPDX 2023 Review: Dark Sisters

(Written by: James Bash) OrpheusPDX, a new company founded by Christopher Mattaliano in Portland, Oregon, concluded its second season with a brilliant and thought-provoking production of Nico Muhly’s “Dark Sisters,” at Lincoln Hall on August 24. “Dark Sisters” explores and exposes relationships in a polygamous sect and reveals the courage of one sister-wife to leave it. With Stephen Karam’s libretto {…}

Oct 28, 2020

Catalina Cuervo, Damien Geter, Martin Bakari Headline Portland Opera’s Revamped 2020-21 Season

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 {…}

Oct 8, 2020

Portland Opera Announces Hampton Opera Center Virtual Recital Series

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 {…}

Sep 9, 2020

Portland Opera to Present Virtual Fundraising Concert

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 {…}

May 14, 2019

Fabio Armiliato & Hiromi Omura Headline Portland Opera’s 2019-20 Season

Portland Opera has announced its 56th season. In a press statement, General Director Christopher Mattaliano said, “The 2019/20 season is a celebration of the art of opera. This season gives us the opportunity to explore works spanning four different centuries, from Bajazet, which premiered in 1735, to Three Decembers which premiered in 2008. We cannot wait to bring our audiences {…}

Vanessa Isiguen