Composer

Grammy Award-nominated soprano Chelsea Basler continues to make her mark on an extensive array of operatic roles with her unique combination of vocal appeal and artistry. Praied for her "luminous voice" with its "easy soaring range," she has been noted for her "wonderful acting" and declared "simply superb" by Opera Today. In the spring of 2019, Ms. Basler appeared with the Boston Lyric Opera as Moira in Poultries Ruder's The Handmaid's Tale and made a company debut with Boston Midsummer opera as Clorinda in La Cenerentola. In the fall of 2019, Ms. Basler joined the Metropolitan Opera roster, covering Pousette in Manon. Her other roles include Micaëla in Carmen, the High Priestess in Aida, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Glasha in Katya Kabonova, and the title role of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah.

EPSG:4326

A Night at the Opera

Bishop McVinney Auditorium

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal performance as Ben Breitman, a talented baritone and Bachelor of Music student under the guidance of Nancy Gustafson, graces the stage. This recital is set to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 6:00pm CDT in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room, located within the prestigious Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.

Accompanied by the skilled pianist Olga Sklyanskaya, Ben will delve into a repertoire that spans the emotional spectrum of classical music. The program includes heartfelt compositions by Francesco Paolo Tosti such as "Non t’amo più," "A vucchella," and "L’ultima canzone." The evening will also feature captivating arias from W. A. Mozart's operas "Le nozze di Figaro" and "Die Zauberflöte," alongside Vincenzo Bellini's poignant "Ah per sempre io ti perdei" from "I puritani." The recital will be rounded off with selections from Franz Schubert's "Schwanengesang," D. 957, and the timeless standard "It Had to Be You" by Isham Jones.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of classical and operatic music, brought to life by emerging talent within the Northwestern Bienen School of Music community. Admission is free, and no tickets are required, making it accessible to all who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of music. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available, ensuring no one misses out on this captivating performance.

Mark your calendars for an evening of exquisite music that promises to be both inspiring and memorable.

Ben Breitman, baritone

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal brilliance as Priya Krishnaswamy, a talented soprano from the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, takes the stage for her Bachelor of Music recital. This special performance is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024, at 8:30pm CDT, in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room.

Under the tutelage of Theresa Brancaccio, Priya will be joined by Greta McNamee, mezzo-soprano, and Teresa Kang on piano, to present a diverse and captivating program. The evening's repertoire includes cherished works by J.S. Bach, such as "Ich folge dir gleichfalls" from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, and "Aus Liebe" from the same passion, alongside George Frideric Handel's "Come unto Him" from Messiah, HWV 56. The program will also feature pieces from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, Vincenzo Bellini, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Joseph Haydn, Stacy Garrop, Jean-Paul-Égide Martini, Claude Debussy, Léo Delibes, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Frederick Lowe, promising a rich exploration of vocal music.

This recital is a free event, open to all who appreciate the power and beauty of the human voice in its many forms. Whether you're a lover of classical opera, contemporary compositions, or timeless classics, Priya's performance is sure to captivate and inspire.

The McClintock Choral and Recital Room, located at 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, within the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, offers a cozy and acoustically pleasing environment, perfect for the nuances of vocal performance. With seating for 120, it's an ideal space for an intimate musical experience.

For those unable to attend in person, we are pleased to offer a live stream of the event. Ensure you don't miss this remarkable display of musical talent and passion.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of music and emotion with Priya Krishnaswamy and guests.

Priya Krishnaswamy, soprano

In demand across the world, Ermonela Jaho is best known for her portrayals of Verdi and Puccini’s heroines. She returns to her bel canto roots in a recital of rare songs by Gaetano Donizetti, alongside a selection by his contemporaries, with Opera Rara’s Artistic Director and pianist Carlo Rizzi. They will explore repertoire that has been recently restored and rarely, if ever, performed. The programme is complete with two works for violin and piano by Donizetti performed by brothers Marco and Carlo Rizzi.

Ermonela Jaho & Carlo Rizzi: Donizetti and Friends

Wigmore Hall

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal performance as Audrey Neace, a talented mezzo-soprano and Bachelor of Music student at the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, takes the stage. Under the guidance of Patrice Michaels, Audrey will perform a captivating recital featuring a diverse repertoire that spans the breadth of classical music. The program includes Charles Gounod's "Faites-lui mes aveux" from Faust, selections from Gustav Mahler's Lieder und Gesänge, Gabriel Fauré's Cinq mélodies de Venise, Op. 58, and more, showcasing the depth and versatility of Audrey's vocal talent.

Accompanied by Julia Frodyma, soprano, and Jason Carlson on piano, the evening promises to be a showcase of exceptional musicality and a celebration of the human voice. The recital will also feature works by Vincenzo Bellini, Pauline Viardot, Libby Larsen, Jocelyn Hagen, William Bolcom, and Victor Herbert, offering a rich tapestry of musical expressions.

This special event is scheduled for Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 8:30pm CDT, in the Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall. Located in the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, the Galvin Recital Hall is renowned for its stunning acoustics and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of exquisite music.

Admission to this event is free, and tickets are not required. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available, ensuring that no one misses out on this remarkable performance. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of Audrey Neace and her fellow musicians in one of the most beautiful concert venues in the country.

Audrey Neace, mezzo-soprano

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

Many, many composers set to music the classic story of Romeo and Juliet, but as far as we know, Vincenzo Bellini had never considered doing so until about two months before the premiere of I Capuleti e i Montecchi, which took place on March 11, 1830 at Venice's Teatro La Fenice.

Vincenzo Bellini

Composer

Events

May 11, 2024

A Night at the Opera · Providence Singers

May 11, 2024

Ben Breitman, baritone · Northwestern Bienen School of Music

May 17, 2024

Priya Krishnaswamy, soprano · Northwestern Bienen School of Music

May 23, 2024

Ermonela Jaho & Carlo Rizzi: Donizetti and Friends · Opera Rara

May 23, 2024

Ermonela Jaho & Carlo Rizzi: Donizetti and Friends · Opera Rara

About

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