OperaDelaware is starting the new year with two unique and inspiring experiences. First comes a three-part series called Sunday Artist Spotlight, which features favorite singers of OperaDelaware audiences performing a Sunday afternoon recital followed by a “talk back” session.
The first Spotlight on January 18 stars Grant Youngblood, a Wilmington resident who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Youngblood captured local audiences in the title role of Macbeth at The Grand. OperaDelaware audiences also will remember his performance as Scarpia in Tosca.
On February 1, the Spotlight shines on Sharin Aostolov, a soprano who most recently appeared in Wilmington as Adina in L’elisir d’amore. Apostolou also has performed with the Portland and Shreveport Operas.
On February 20 and 22, OperaDelaware presents This Little Light of Mine, a one-woman musical tribute to the careers of Leontyne Price and Marian Anderson, two African-American opera legends who overcame racial barriers to become international opera stars. This work was written and will be performed by Adrienne Danrich, under a commission from the Cincinnati Opera.
For the first time in the company’s history, OperaDelaware will present a two-weekend opera festival in May. A concert performance of Delibes’ rarely seen masterpiece Lakme, kicks off the celebration on May 8 and May 16 at the Baby Grand. The centerpiece of the festival features Audrey Babcock in the title role of La Tragédie de Carmen, at Tatnall School’s Laird Center on May 9, 15, and 17. On May 14 and 16 in celebration of the MidAtlantic Wine + Food Festival, OperaDelaware presents Wine, Women, and Food – an evening of opera featuring Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appetit, starring Melissa Kornacki as Julia Child in a one-woman opera.
To purchase tickets for either Wilmington-based production, go online to operade.org or call 302-442-7807. Either single tickets or packages can be purchased. Tickets for Sunday Artist Spotlight start at $17 per person, and individual tickets for This Little Light of Mine start at $28.