Singer

Captivated by a beauty who scorns love, a renegade prince enters an all but impossible contest, where the price of failure is death. But beyond the legendary riddles, he’ll find another challenge in melting Turandot’s stubborn heart.

Soprano Angela Meade takes on the thrilling title role, with tenor Russell Thomas as her impetuous suitor and soprano Guanqun Yu as the woman who shows everyone the true meaning of devotion.

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Turandot

Los Angeles Music Center

Tenor Russell Thomas, LA Opera's Artist in Residence, premieres a major new commission: a deeply personal, evening-length concert work created expressly for him by the Emmy Award-winning composer Joel Thompson with an original libretto by the celebrated poet Imani Tolliver.  

With Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados leading the LA Opera Orchestra, Fire and Blue Sky traces the origin story of an artist, a probing reflection on painful memories, deeply embedded, that reverberate into the present day. 

The concert will also feature an orchestral suite from Joel Thompson's opera, The Snowy Day.

Fire and Blue Sky

This electric event shines a spotlight on Opera Theatre’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artist and Gerdine Young Artist Programs as these rising opera stars perform iconic melodies from opera’s greatest hits and cherished rarities. Center Stage is curated by Patricia Racette, Artistic Director of Young Artist Programs, and James Robinson, Artistic Director of Opera Theatre. Opera Theatre’s Young Artist Programs are known for launching the careers of many major opera stars, including names such as Jamie Barton, Lawrence Brownlee, Christine Goerke, Erin Morley, Paula Murrihy, Matthew Polenzani, Morris Robinson, Michael Spyres, Russell Thomas, and many more.

Center Stage Concert

Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts

For the first time in the Company’s history, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of Eun Sun Kim, present Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. A musical expression of unity and peace, this monumental masterwork stands as one of the greatest testaments of humanity ever written. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the work, we invite you to share in this one-night-only musical celebration. 

Beethoven 9

War Memorial Opera House

Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to lead Strauss’s grand mythological epic, a tour de force for orchestra and soloists alike. A spectacular trio of sopranos lead the ensemble cast, with Elza van den Heever as the otherworldly Empress, Lise Lindstrom as the Dyer’s Wife, and Nina Stemme as the Nurse. Following recent triumphs in Wagner’s Ring cycle and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, baritone Michael Volle is Barak, with tenor Russell Thomas as the Emperor and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as the Spirit Messenger.

Die Frau ohne Schatten

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Following last season’s celebrated Samson and Delilah in Concert, join us for an abridged version of Hector Berlioz’s epic in a concert version featuring full orchestra and chorus. Les Troyens à Carthage (Acts 3, 4, & 5) begins after the fall of Troy as Aeneas arrives at Carthage with tales of the Trojan War. Upon arrival, he orders his army to assist Queen Dido in defeating the invading Nubians before falling in love with the Queen himself. However, when duty calls, the two lovers are parted while a funeral pyre burns.

Les Troyens In Concert

Seattle Center

Immerse yourself in the passionate and dramatic world of Bizet's "Carmen" as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a captivating concert performance at Orchestra Hall. This special event, taking place from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23, 2025, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the iconic opera. Under the baton of conductor Jader Bignamini, the DSO will be joined by an all-star cast including mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges in the title role, tenor Russell Thomas, soprano Ailyn Pérez, and baritone Paulo Szot. The performance will also feature the talents of Opera MODO & Audivi choir and the Ann Arbor Youth Chorale, adding depth and richness to the production.

Jader Bignamini, the DSO's 18th music director, brings his infectious passion and artistic excellence to the forefront, promising an unforgettable rendition of Bizet's masterpiece. J’Nai Bridges, celebrated for her "allure, fiery stage presence, and a stunning voice" (Chicago Tribune), is set to captivate audiences with her portrayal of Carmen. The cast also includes acclaimed artists who have made significant impacts on the world's opera stages, ensuring a performance of the highest caliber.

This concert version of "Carmen" offers a unique opportunity to experience the opera's timeless delights and drama, brought to life by a remarkable ensemble of voices and the superb musicianship of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The event will be held at the historic Orchestra Hall, located at 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, offering a splendid venue for this musical celebration.

Tickets are available for purchase, with prices starting at a range that accommodates all attendees. Don't miss this chance to experience the power, drama, and beauty of "Carmen" in a concert setting, promising to be a highlight of the DSO's season and a memorable event for all in attendance.

Bizet's Carmen

Orchestra Hall

One of the world's most successful one-act operas, Mascagni’s gripping thriller about love, jealousy, and betrayal is set in an Italian village where a simmering love triangle reaches boiling point. 

Russell Thomas

Tenor

Events

May 18 - Jun 8, 2024

Turandot · LA Opera

Jun 6, 2024

Fire and Blue Sky · LA Opera

Jun 25, 2024

Center Stage Concert · Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Oct 26, 2024

Beethoven 9 · San Francisco Opera

Nov 29 - Dec 19, 2024

Die Frau ohne Schatten · The Metropolitan Opera

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