Opera Carolina will continue rolling out its milestone 75th anniversary season with ‘A Night to Remember,’ a free concert featuring notable voices from the opera world, happening Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Belk Theater. The 75-minute special event comes on the heels of Opera Carolina’s concert featuring the iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, which kicks off the organization’s anniversary season on Oct. 30.
“We’re thrilled to invite the community to a special birthday party with a night of opera they won’t forget,” said Dr. Shante Williams, general director of Opera Carolina. “We’re starting our diamond anniversary season differently than in years past to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come while inspiring the next generation of opera lovers. More than ever, I want to drive home the message this season of ‘Opera per tutti,’ which translates to Opera for all!”
The program will include arias and duets from Puccini’s ‘La bohème,’ ‘Tosca’ and ‘Turandot,’ as well as songs by classic Italian composers Giuseppe Verdi and Gioachino Rossini. Taking the stage will be performers from New York’s Metropolitan Opera House and other world famous opera houses. Performers will include:
- Barbara Frittoli – Italy (Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Covent Garden, Wien Staatsoper, Opera Carolina);
- Kevin Short – United States (Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera);
- Kristin Sampson (New York City Opera, Festival Puccini, Opera Carolina);
- Leyla Martinucci – Italy (Teatro San Carlo, Teatro Bellini Catania, New York City Opera, Opera Carolina);
- Marija Jelic – Serbia (Serbian National Theater, Carnegie Hall);
- Yunah Lee – Korea (Metropolitan Opera, Korean National Opera, Opera Carolina);
- Nmon Ford – United States (Teatro Comunale Bologna, Opera Carolina, Cincinnati Opera);
- the renowned pianist Maestro Fabio Centanni (La Scala, Teatro Regio di Parma, Abu Dhabi Festival, Tulouse, Dusseldorf, Zurich); and many more artists.
Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club, Opera Carolina has become the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas. In addition to celebrating a 75th season, ‘A Night to Remember’ will highlight the 25th anniversary of artistic director and musical conductor Jim Meena and the 20th anniversary of Bella Notte, Opera Carolina’s black-tie fundraising gala.
Free tickets to ‘A Night to Remember’ can be reserved at https://operacarolina.org/a_night_to_remember starting Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. Guests can also donate $19.48 to commemorate Opera Carolina’s founding year or $75 to mark the occasion. For more information about the upcoming season, visit operacarolina.org/75years.
