Singer

A tale of resistance, courage, and joy: The Sound of Music, whose story begins in the hills of Austria on the eve of the Nazis’ annexation, resonates as much today as during the musical’s 1959 premiere. Acclaimed director Francesca Zambello incorporates songs from both the theatrical version and its famous cinematic adaptation into her new production, a vibrant staging of the beloved story of the von Trapp children, their stern father, and the novice-turned-governess Maria who changes their lives. The Wortham Theater is the perfect place to experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s original vision for their timeless musical, propelled by the full power of the world-class HGO Orchestra and Chorus and a peerless cast including world-famous mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as Maria and baritone Alexander Birch Elliott as the Captain. HGO’s Richard Bado takes the podium to conduct this classic family-friendly production. 

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The Sound Of Music

Wortham Theater Center

"Despite society’s attempts to move forward from a past marked by violence and hatred, division and injustice continue to thwart us. We see this reflected in political decisions that harm the people most in need of protection and aid, in the violation of human rights that occurs daily across the world, and in a general sense of hopelessness about what lies ahead for all of us. The fundamental need for reformation could not be clearer or more pressing. Everything must change." – Erin Wagner

Young Concert Artists: Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano & Shawn Chang, piano

Kaufman Music Center

Our collaboration with Young Concert Artists continues with a free master class and performance with mezzo soprano Erin Wagner and pianist Nicole Coutier!

Young Concert Artists Series: Erin Wagner, mezzo soprano

DC Campus: NW

Puccini’s beloved Madame Butterfly, with its soaring score and unforgettable tragic story, returns to HGO in a revival of Tony Award-winning director Michael Grandage’s acclaimed production. The opera’s diverse cast will be led by internationally sought-after soprano Ailyn Pérez, who returns to Houston as Cio-Cio-San, the young Japanese girl who marries American naval lieutenant Pinkerton, performed by tenor Yongzhao Yu in his role debut. As the tale unfolds, Cio-Cio-San, abandoned by her husband, raises their son while faithfully waiting for him to return to Japan. When Pinkerton finally reappears, bringing with him a new wife and seeking to take his child back to America, heartbreaking tragedy ensues. The production’s revival, directed by Jordan Braun, stars mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as Suzuki, bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, bass William Guanbo Su as the Bonze, and tenor Rodell Rosel as Goro. Maestro Patrick Summers conducts. 

Madame Butterfly

Wagnerites from around the world will descend upon Houston when HGO presents Parsifal, the composer’s final opera, full of shimmeringly beautiful music and spiritual and philosophical exploration. The revered masterpiece takes audiences on a mystical journey through a realm where time has no meaning and a group of knights are trying to protect the Holy Grail and their wounded king, Amfortas. He can only be healed by an innocent fool—the titular protagonist—but first Parsifal must undertake a quest to reclaim the Holy Spear, enduring tests including an attempted seduction by a bevy of gorgeous women. The opera will be presented in a stunning, sensual, colorful production from Tony Award-winning director John Caird. HGO Principal Guest Conductor Eun Sun Kim leads a cast of extraordinary Wagnerians including tenor Russell Thomas as Parsifal, soprano Christine Goerke as Kundry, bass Kwangchul Youn as Gurnemanz, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Amfortas.

Parsifal

“At every turn, he effortlessly communicates his delight in the music he leads,” raved the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of conductor Nicholas McGegan, whose effervescent concerts are always highlights of the season. Joining him is the Siberian-born violinist Maxim Vengerov, recognized as one of the world’s greatest string players. Claiming to have heard a performance of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto while still in the womb, the precocious Vengerov was taken at age 5 to meet a famous violin teacher. When she asked "Do you have strength in these hands,?" he punched her in the stomach as hard as he could. "Fortunately, she was in a good mood that day, and she accepted me as a student," he said later. Vengerov will play Mendelssohn’s flowingly lyrical Violin Concerto, a work full of beautiful tunes and a joyously vibrant finale. It’s no wonder this work has been an audience favorite since its premiere in 1845.

Erin Wagner

Mezzo-soprano

Events

Apr 26 - May 12, 2024

The Sound Of Music · Houston Grand Opera

Mar 21, 2024

Young Concert Artists: Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano & Shawn Chang, piano · Kaufman Music Center

Feb 28, 2024

Young Concert Artists Series: Erin Wagner, mezzo soprano · Levine Music

Jan 26 - Feb 11, 2024

Madame Butterfly · Houston Grand Opera

Jan 19 - Feb 4, 2024

Parsifal · Houston Grand Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly by Puccini

Houston Grand Opera

About

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