Open Call: OperaDelaware is making magic in & out of the Opera House
Opera is a spectacle, and twice a year OperaDelaware gets to present all the opulence, drama, and passion of live opera with full orchestra at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington. Last spring’s production of Verdi’s sumptuous "La traviata'' attracted 700 opera newbies while also welcoming back the scores of opera enthusiasts, superfans, and aficionados who call Delaware home.
Soprano Lindsay Ohse, who played the title character in 2017’s "Semiramide,'' returned for another star-turn and brought the house down with her captivating portrayal of the jaded courtesan Violetta in "La traviata.''
Her love affair with the sincere and open-hearted Alfredo, sung beautifully by world-class tenor Matthew Vickers, was gut-wrenching in its beauty and vulnerability.
The cast, director, conductor, chorus, and live orchestra came together to create an unforgettable experience for Delaware audiences.
The grandeur and intimacy of The Grand Opera House was the perfect setting for the luscious singing and narrative of this timeless love story that inspired "Pretty Woman'' and ''Moulin Rouge.''
The inaugural Opening Night Microgala gave patrons the chance to pose like the pros in a Red Carpet Runway Photoshoot with Meghan Newberry Photography and Moonloop Photography, before competing in professionallly run games of poker and blackjack with a $1,000 grand prize.
The Microgala was a welcome opportunity to connect with the community and bring people of all backgrounds closer to the arts. We saw longtime OperaDelaware supporters and friends of the opera toasting with young parents on their first night out since the pandemic. Delawareans showed up and made the opening night of "La traviata'' one for the record books.
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If you’re feeling FOMO, you’re not alone. Fortunately, OperaDelaware is THRILLED to bring back the Opening Night Microgala for both our fall production of Verdi’s "Rigoletto'' and our spring production of Puccini’s "Turandot.''
Tickets are on sale now at www.operade.org for both mainstage productions and the biannual Opening Night Microgalas on Oct. 27, and May 17, 2024. If you’re an early bird, both shows also are available as Sunday matinees beginning at 2 p.m. at The Grand Opera House.
Whether you’re looking for a late night or an afternoon at the theater, we hope you’ll join us for "Rigoletto'' and "Turandot'' this season and get your tickets EARLY for the Opening Night Microgala!
If you can’t wait until the fall to experience OperaDelaware, take advantage of our Pop-Up Opera program. With our Mobile Opera Stage, access to the arts has never been more portable, and OperaDelaware is singing to the whole state this summer with free Pop-Up Opera performances in all three counties.
Pop-Up Opera brings the same unbeatable talent you’ll hear in our mainstage productions out into the community for fun, approachable, and incredible live opera that is customizable for all ages. From festivals to block parties, OperaDelaware is championing arts access with interactive performances, giveaways, bubble machines, and a T-shirt cannon.
During the school year, OperaDelaware offers adaptable programming for students K-12 available statewide. Pop-Up Opera also has partnered with local retailers like Swigg and Snuff Mill in Independence Mall. In early June, OperaDelaware collaborated with these two esteemed Wilmington establishments for a signature wine tasting and curated four-course dinner designed by the acclaimed chef and owners.
In addition to our mainstage productions of Verdi’s "Rigoletto'' and Puccini’s "Turandot'' at The Grand Opera House, OperaDelaware will be announcing our intimate recital series at the OperaDelaware Studios. Past performances have included "A Valentine Cabaret '' with Metropolitan Opera soprano Toni-Marie Palmertree, which was perfected with the addition of guest dancers from The BlueBallRoom Studios leading a Valentine’s Day ballroom dancing class.
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OperaDelaware also presented a workshop of Derrick Wang’s "Fearless,'' a compelling contemporary American opera about a WWII Chinese-American war hero, as well as three unique artist-curated recitals.
Stay tuned for more information about our OperaDelaware Studio Series coming this summer.
The 2023-24 season represents another important milestone for the company. In July of 2023, OperaDelaware will celebrate 10 years under the leadership of General Director Brendan Cooke, whose vision and dedication have led to groundbreaking partnerships thanks to his resilience.
“In the days of readily consumable electronic media, arts institutions have an uphill battle,” says Cooke. “I believe, however, that there is absolutely nothing like a live musical performance, and spend my days convincing others of this. I believe that audiences for classical music and opera are built two people at a time, and that we all have a role in the health and potential growth of our local arts organizations.”
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Congratulations on an amazing decade of leadership and advocacy for opera, Brendan!
Don’t want to miss what’s next from OperaDelaware? Sign up for the OperaDelaware mailing list for notifications about unique Pop-Up Opera performances, workshops, intimate recitals, and special events throughout the 2023-24 season.
We can’t wait to see you at the opera. www.operade.org
Kerriann Otaño is OperaDelaware's vice president of engagement.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Mobile pop-ups to opening nights: OperaDelaware offers lots to love
