The evening will feature soprano Shawnette Sulker (Poppea, Cesare, Bulrusher) and soprano Mary Evelyn Hangley (Schoenberg's Erwartung) with Jonathan Khuner on piano. Shawnette and Mary will share favorite selections from their repertoire, and insights on how they're preparing the summer's operas.

For the first time, West Edge Opera will open the doors to the fourth floor balcony so that all can enjoy a champagne toast as we launch the summer festival season! All proceeds will go toward the summer festival.

EPSG:4326

A Salon with Leading Ladies

Oakland Scottish Rite Center

We are excited that Nathaniel Stookey will be the composer of West Edge Opera’s first commission while he develops his first full-length opera, Bulrusher, based on the play of the same title by Eisa Davis who will serve as co-librettist. Bulrusher the play was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007.
Bulrusher is a coming of age story about an African-American girl growing up in Northern California’s remote Anderson Valley in 1955. Found in a basket by the river, she is raised by the local schoolteacher and has never seen anyone that looks like her until a young Black woman from Alabama comes to town. Meeting someone like herself opens a political, sexual and identity awakening within her.
The development of the complete opera Bulrusher will take place over the course of three years, with a series of milestones built into the process.
Bulrusher will debut in a fully staged production as part of West Edge Festival 2023.

Bulrusher

Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera

With great pleasure we present an opera that is for people of all ages who love gruesome things!
Coraline is a young girl whose life has been uprooted. As she wanders alone through her new creaky house, she tries to get the attention of her work-at-home parents to no avail. One day she discovers a mysterious door, through which she sets out on a terrifying adventure that tests the limits of human bravery.

Coraline

From the composer who created “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Ariane & Bluebeard is a fascinating symbolist examination of the psychology of violence and the obstacles of self-liberation. Dukas’ masterpiece is a follow up to our production of Pelléas & Mélisande and can be considered a prequel to that opera.

Ariane & Bluebeard

In 48 BC, Rome has just taken Egypt. Upon arrival in the country, Julius Caesar finds himself in the midst of a struggle between sibling rulers that begins the destruction of the Roman triumvirate and ends in a great love with Cleopatra, who would become the most successful and beloved ruler in the history of Egypt.
Intense moments of pathos and riotous comedy mixed with some of Handel’s best, most beloved music make Julius Caesar an opera not to be missed.

West Edge Opera

Jun 26, 2023

A Salon with Leading Ladies

Aug 14, 2022

Bulrusher

Jul 30 - Aug 7, 2022

Coraline

Jul 24 - Aug 6, 2022

Ariane & Bluebeard

Jul 23 - Aug 4, 2022

Julius Caesar

West Edge Opera

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