As World Opera Day approaches, Opera Carolina – the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas – is gearing up for its 75th anniversary season. It will host two special events inviting opera lovers and newcomers to experience renowned voices from the opera world. Iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli will perform for a one-night event on Oct. 30, which will also feature the Opera Carolina chorus, Resident Company artists and the Charlotte Symphony. On Nov. 9, the free event, ‘A Night to Remember’ Grand Gala concert, will include a lineup of performers from world-famous opera houses. Both events will be held at Belk Theater in uptown Charlotte.
“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!” said Dr. Shante Williams, general director of Opera Carolina.
Bocelli’s performance in Charlotte is one of two special shows this fall as part of his 2024 North American tour, including songs from his extensive repertoire and a selection of opera arias, his beloved crossover hits and famed love songs.
‘A Night to Remember’ will spotlight arias and duets from Puccini’s ‘La bohème,’ ‘Tosca’ and ‘Turandot,’ as well as songs by classic Italian composers Giuseppe Verdi and Gioachino Rossini. 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);
- Mary Laura Hudson – United States (International Lyric Academy)
- Nmon Ford – United States (Teatro Comunale Bologna, Opera Carolina, Cincinnati Opera);
- So-Chung Shinn – United States (Manhattan School of Music, International Lyric Academy)
- the renowned pianist Maestro Fabio Centanni (La Scala, Teatro Regio di Parma, Abu Dhabi Festival, Tulouse, Dusseldorf, Zurich); and many more artists.
Tickets to see Andrea Bocelli are on sale through the Opera Carolina ticket office at 980-771-1026. Free tickets to ‘A Night to Remember’ can be reserved at https://operacarolina.org/a_night_to_remember. For more information about the upcoming season, visit operacarolina.org/75years.
