Tag Archives: Cincinnati Opera

June 3, 2024 · 5:10 pm

Cincinnati Opera Kicks Off Its 2024 Summer Festival with Opera in the Park, a Free Community Concert in OTR’s Washington Park, on Sunday June 9

The musical celebration features opera and musical theater favorites performed by stars from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute

CO_Opera in the Park

Photo by Philip Groshong

CINCINNATI (May 31, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera celebrates the kickoff of its 2024 Summer Festival with a free community concert in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

On Sunday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert in Washington Park featuring a selection of opera and musical theater favorites performed by star singers from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Guests who arrive early can also enjoy a free preview performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, beginning at 6 p.m.

Admission to Opera in the Park is free and open to the public. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

What:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park

When:
Sunday, June 9, 2024
6 p.m.: Preview concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute
7:30 p.m.: Opera in the Park

Where:
Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Description:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert of opera and musical theater favorites in Washington Park.

Featured singers include cast members from the company’s upcoming productions of Don Giovanni (June 13, 15), La Traviata (June 27, 28, 30), and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio (July 18, 20, 21, 25, 27): sopranos Jessica Faselt, Erin Keesy, and Heidi Middendorf, mezzo-soprano Taylor-Alexis Dupont, tenors Santiago Ballerini, Aaron Blake, and Demetrious Sampson, Jr., baritones Anthony Clark Evans, Thomas Dreeze, Elliot Madore, and Joseph Parrish, and bass Patrick Guetti.

Also featured are the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra led by conductors Alex Amsel and Kevin Miller, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, will emcee.

Just before Opera in the Park, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute will perform in Washington Park beginning at 6 p.m. Top high school brass players from around the region will join professionals from around the country to present arrangements of Cincinnati Opera-inspired music.

Attendees are invited to bring friends, families, and dogs–plus blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics–to enjoy this evening of opera under the stars. Concessions and food trucks will be available in and around Washington Park throughout the evening.

Admission and Information:
Free. Guests are encouraged to register in advance for weather alerts and event updates. To register, visit cincinnatiopera.org/opera-in-the-park.

Inclement Weather:
In case of inclement weather, Opera in the Park will move indoors to Music Hall’s Springer Auditorium, and all pre-registered attendees will be guaranteed tickets for admittance. Attendees who have not pre-registered may obtain tickets online or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis, though admission is not guaranteed.

Looking ahead:

Cincinnati Opera
2024 Summer Festival

Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
June 13 and 15 at Music Hall

La Traviata
By Giuseppe Verdi
June 27, 28, and 30 at Music Hall

Studio Sessions
June 18, July 2, July 11 at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio
Featuring soprano Jacqueline Echols McCarley (June 18), baritone Elliot Madore (July 2), and soprano Jessica Rivera (July 11)

Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio
By Paul McCartney and Carl Davis
July 18, 20, 21, 25, and 27 at Music Hall

Visit cincinnatiopera.org for complete 2024 Summer Festival details.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Additional support for Opera in the Park is provided by Modern Office Methods (MOM). Media partner is Classical 90.9 WGUC. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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May 22, 2024 · 5:19 pm

Come Together, Cincy / Get Paul to Music Hall

co_logoThe region joins forces to invite music icon Paul McCartney to Cincinnati in celebration of his world stage premiere by Cincinnati Opera

CINCINNATI (May 22, 2024)—Today at Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney joined leaders from Cincinnati Opera and partners from across the region to kick off a community-wide campaign around the Opera’s upcoming world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.

The summer-long initiative—“Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!”—highlights why Sir Paul said “Yes!” to Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati and why he should say “Yes!” to the community’s invitation to celebrate his world stage premiere here this July.

Cincinnati Opera brings McCartney’s hit classical piece, Liverpool Oratorio, a musical tribute to his hometown co-written with celebrated composer Carl Davis, to the opera stage for the first time July 18–27 at Music Hall. McCartney endorsed this new production in a letter to the company, saying, “I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project. I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”

So, will he come?

Organizations across Greater Cincinnati are partnering in a region-wide, collaborative effort to show him why he should.

Throughout the summer, opera and McCartney will be everywhere—from Metro buses, CVG airport, and Reds and FC Cincinnati games, to Washington Park, Fountain Square, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and Hard Rock Casino. It all kicks off this weekend with one of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s biggest festivals, Taste of Cincinnati.

Partners have developed exciting events and activities for every level of McCartney, Beatles, or opera fan to join in the celebration and to shine a bright spotlight on all that makes the region so special. Visit GetPaulToMusicHall.org to learn about the participating partners and view a full calendar of “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” events. The calendar will be updated weekly.

Residents of the Tristate are also invited to get in on the act by recording a video tribute to Sir Paul and posting it on social media using the hashtag #GetPaulToMusicHall. Tagged videos will be amplified by Cincinnati Opera and “Come Together, Cincy!” partners and shared with McCartney’s team.

Share this video from our partners (and special guests) to get the celebration started!

“We’re looking forward to launching the ‘Come Together, Cincy!’ campaign this weekend at Taste of Cincinnati, courtesy of our partners at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Attendees can stop by the Opera booth and record their video tribute to Sir Paul by sharing a favorite memory or singing a snippet of a McCartney tune,” said Chris Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera. “Our region has so much to offer when it comes to unique attractions and experiences, and we’re tremendously grateful to Mayor Pureval, Vice Mayor Kearney, and our partners for embracing this moment with such an enthusiastic and collaborative spirit. Let’s get Paul to Music Hall!”

Tickets are still available to Cincinnati Opera’s production of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio at Music Hall this July and the official opening night after-party, “To Sir, With Love.” Due to popular demand, Cincinnati Opera will offer an additional performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio during its July run. Tickets and information are available at cincinnatiopera.org.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

Come Together, Cincy! / Get Paul to Music Hall! partners include 3CDC, ArtsWave, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the City of Cincinnati, CVG, FC Cincinnati, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, SORTA/Metro, and Visit Cincy.

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May 15, 2024 · 10:28 am

Cincinnati Opera Presents CREATORS FORUM, a Discussion on the Development of New Opera

On June 18, the company hosts a conversation with the creative teams behind two inspiring new works, Lalovavi and Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, both of which will receive their world premieres at Cincinnati Opera

CINCINNATI (May 14, 2024)—On June 18, 2024, Cincinnati Opera will host Creators Forum, a rare and insightful conversation with the creative teams behind two operas that the company has commissioned as part of its groundbreaking artistic initiative, The Black Opera Project. The first program of its kind, The Black Opera Project seeks to illuminate the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience through the development of three new operas by Black artists.

The featured works to be discussed at the Creators Forum include the previously announced Lalovavi, an Afrofuturist opera that will receive its world premiere at Cincinnati Opera in June 2025, and Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, inspired by the life of American civil rights leader and politician John Lewis, premiering at Cincinnati Opera in 2026.

Participating artists from Lalovavi include composer Kevin Day, librettist Tifara Brown, stage director and dramaturg Kimille Howard, and conductor Kevin Miller, and from Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, composer Maria Thompson Corley, librettist Diana Solomon-Glover, and stage director and dramaturg Timothy Douglas. Evans Mirageas, the company’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, will moderate.

Creators Forum takes place at 5 p.m. in Music Hall’s Corbett Tower (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202). Admission is free, though reservations are required. To reserve, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call 513-241-2742.

CO_Creators Forum

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Black Opera Project receives generous funding from the Mellon Foundation. Lead funder for Lalovavi is the David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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May 15, 2024 · 10:25 am

DON GIOVANNI Runs June 13-15

CO_Don GiovanniDON GIOVANNI
Cincinnati Opera
June 13-15
Music Hall Springer Auditorium [Over-the-Rhine]

Mozart’s riveting masterpiece follows Don Giovanni, a man who uses people without a care for their hearts, or the consequences. All the while, the Don’s servant Leporello records his master’s misdeeds. By killing the father of a woman he’s attacked, Giovanni sets in motion events that could lead to his end. Will he get away with his unrepentant pursuit of selfish desire? Or will there be hell to pay? Sung in Italian with projected English translations.

  • Thu, June 13 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 15 at 7:30pm

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March 7, 2024 · 5:31 pm

Cincinnati Opera and CCM to Workshop LALOVAVI, the New Opera-in-Progress by Kevin Day and Tifara Brown, Featuring a Free Public Performance of Excerpts on May 13

The workshop precedes the world premiere of LALOVAVI at Cincinnati Opera in 2025, the first work in the company’s groundbreaking creative initiative, The Black Opera Project

LALOVAVI Creative TeamCO_The Black Opera Project

CINCINNATI (March 7, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) have announced the next opera to be workshopped through their joint program, Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW): Lalovavi, with music by Kevin Day, libretto by Tifara Brown, and stage direction and dramaturgy by Kimille Howard.

Commissioned by Cincinnati Opera and slated for a 2025 world premiere, Lalovavi is anticipated to be the first grand opera on an Afrofuturist theme. Set in the future, the opera follows the journey of Persephone, the youngest teenage daughter of the Primus of Atlas, formerly the city of Atlanta. Currency and status in Atlas are determined based on the presence of Syndicus, a rare gene that promotes vitality and longevity. When Persephone is found to possess this gene, she is betrayed by her family and must run for her life. She is thrust into an epic adventure, uncovering a hidden past that leads her to discover love’s true meaning and the power to determine her own destiny.

Lalovavi will be the first opera to be presented as part of The Black Opera Project, Cincinnati Opera’s groundbreaking, three-opera commissioning initiative that engages Black creators to develop new works celebrating Black stories. The first program of its kind, The Black Opera Project seeks to illuminate the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience.

Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is co-directed by Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM, and Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, and provides composers and librettists the opportunity to collaborate with singers and creative personnel to refine their operas-in-progress. During the May workshop for Lalovavi, Day, Brown, and Howard will work alongside conductor Kevin Miller and a cast of singers to further develop the work.

A public performance of excerpts from Lalovavi will take place on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Cincinnati Music Hall’s Wilks Studio (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202). Admission to the public performance is free, though seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

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About Opera Fusion: New Works
Funded through a generous gift from the Mellon Foundation, Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a partnership between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) dedicated to fostering the development of new American operas. This collaboration is jointly led by Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM, and Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. OF:NW offers composers or composer/librettist teams the opportunity to workshop an opera during a residency in Cincinnati. Residencies utilize the facilities, personnel, and talent of both Cincinnati Opera and CCM. The workshops are cast with a combination of CCM students and professional artists, and each workshop concludes with a free public presentation of excerpts followed by an audience Q&A session. For more information, visit ofnw.org.

About CCM
Nationally ranked and internationally renowned, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The school’s educational roots date back to 1867, and a solid, visionary instruction has been at its core since that time. CCM offers nine degree types (BA, BM, BFA, MFA, MM, MA, AD, DMA, PhD) in nearly 120 possible majors, along with a wide variety of pre-collegiate and post-graduate programs.

Declared a top college vocal program by Backstage Magazine and described as “one of the continent’s major music schools,” by the Toronto Star, CCM’s Departments of Opera and Voice provide one of the most comprehensive training programs for opera singers, coaches, and directors in the United States. CCM offers an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated professionals in their own right, widely and currently active in their respective fields. Several national opera companies hold auditions at the conservatory, and CCM students frequently advance to the final rounds of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. CCM graduates have performed on the stages of the world’s greatest opera companies, including Cincinnati Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera (London), La Scala (Italy), and more. CCM Voice and Opera program support is provided by the Mellon Foundation for Opera Fusion: New Works, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, and the Patricia A. Corbett Estate. Additional support for CCM’s undergraduate opera productions is provided by Rafael and Kimberly de Acha. To learn more, visit ccm.uc.edu.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. This project was supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Opera Fusion: New Works and The Black Opera Project receive generous funding from the Mellon Foundation. Lead funder for Lalovavi is the David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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