Fort Worth Opera Sets the Stage for Vibrant 78th Season with a Diverse Production Lineup Emphasizing Artistic Collaboration, and Marking the Company’s Thrilling Return to Bass Performance Hall
From Operatic Concerts to Classical Productions the 2023 – 2024 Season, Under General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson, Will Celebrate the Best of Fort Worth Opera While Ushering in a New Chapter
Fort Worth, TX (June 8, 2023) — Fort Worth Opera (FWO) proudly announced today details surrounding its upcoming 2023-2024 operatic season with seasonal subscription renewals officially available now and individual tickets available in mid-July. Under the deliberate and thoughtful leadership of General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson, Fort Worth Opera seeks to build upon the multi-faceted legacy of the past decade by offering a tapestry of artistic programming that harmonizes with the vision of cultivating dynamic creative collaborations and crafting transcendent, socially relevant works of art. Patrons can look forward to experiencing poignant classic works, modern, socially compelling productions, a regional premiere, and a nationwide Spanish language premiere. The season will reach a crescendo with Fort Worth Opera’s highly-anticipated return to Bass Performance Hall. Turner Wilson wants to welcome the whole Fort Worth community to revel in the transformative power of opera during the company’s 78th season.
From the company’s commitment to finding and propelling young, emerging talent onto the national stage, to producing socially relevant and contemporary works, Turner Wilson will utilize her deep-seated passion and vast knowledge of the art form to curate a dynamic season. With her career as a critically-acclaimed soprano with over a decade of experience in education at Texas Christian University, she stands as a pillar of expertise, poised to take on this important role and usher the company into its next chapter.
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When asked what supporters can expect for the upcoming season, General & Artistic Director of Fort Worth Opera, Angela Turner Wilson, said, “As the General & Artistic Director of this storied organization, I’m thrilled about our new season which embodies both the legacy and future of this beloved art form. We’re building on the dedicated work of our predecessors, honoring the great works of the past while also looking forward to the future with renewed commitment.”
FWO’s 15th season. ‘La Bohème’ at Will Rogers Auditorium (1960): Enrico di Giuseppe (Rodolfo), Lee Venora (Mimi), Richard Torigi (Marcello), and Jacquelynne Moody (Musetta).
As the oldest, continually running opera company in Texas and with Turner Wilson at the helm, Fort Worth Opera takes great pride in continuing to produce engaging, diverse, and relevant work that represents the vibrancy of the Fort Worth community. The season package available today includes the first production of the season, La Médium, a highly popular, short, two-act dramatic opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. Fort Worth Opera will present the work translated into Spanish at the Rose Marine Theater, marking the national premiere of the Spanish language production (the work previously premiered in Spanish in Puerto Rico in 1989). Beloved traditional works are also included, such as Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, the semi-staged production marks Fort Worth Opera’s triumphant return to Bass Hall. Patrons will be delighted to know that this isn’t a typical “semi-staged” performance. Fort Worth Opera will fully embrace the true definition of the term by including gorgeous costumes, engaging dramatic staging, breathtaking projections, and the masterful Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performing on stage alongside the remarkable cast. Contemporary opera lovers can’t miss the regional premiere of the culturally meaningful modern project, dwb (Driving While Black). This heart-wrenching production will challenge conventions, ignite conversations, and evoke profound introspection. Additionally, An Evening with Morris Robinson, an operatic recital curated by the Metropolitan Opera star and Grammy Award-Winning Bass himself, is included. The evening will focus on works from the classic canon and traditional Black spirituals, honoring the Juneteenth Holiday.
Beyond that, FREE and community partnership events include Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long, a celebratory holiday concert and sing-a-long which is FREE to the public. Back by popular demand, in partnership with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) is Amahl and the Night Visitors, the beloved one-act opera also composed by Gian Carlo Menotti (ticketing available through BRIT). Patrons can also enjoy special performances by the Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists in the one-act opera The Tragedy of Carmen as well as the Resident Artists’ Scenes Showcase (more information forthcoming).
Collaborative partnerships with vital performing arts organizations take center stage this season, including The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Artes de La Rosa, and Texas Christian University’s Opera Studio. The company will continue to purposefully broaden the accessibility of opera by staging productions at both traditional and unconventional venues, including the Van Cliburn Concert Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Rose Marine Theater, The Modern Museum of Art, and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT).
Through her unwavering dedication, Turner Wilson aspires to create a vibrant opera company that the Fort Worth community can take great pride in. She continued, “Our patrons can expect reliably high-quality productions that showcase the best of what opera and the performing arts community of Fort Worth have to offer. We’re dedicated to creating art that is not only beautiful but also relevant and truly representational of today’s world. I’m confident that our upcoming season will be a testament to our unwavering passion for this art form and a promise to our patrons that this breathtaking art form will always be here, and Fort Worth Opera will always be here, producing exceptional, purposeful works for our community.”
Fort Worth Opera 2023 – 2024 Season Lineup
* Included in Season Package
** Available to Add-On to Season Package or for Single Ticket Purchase
Dinner with the Stars **
September 22, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fort Worth Club | 306 W Seventh St.
Hosted by Joe Illick & Underwritten by Simmons Bank & Visit Fort Worth
Launching the season will be the fundraising dinner, “Dinner with the Stars,” hosted by Joe Illick, Music Director Emeritus and dear friend to the company. The dinner will support the arts organization’s efforts to continue producing high-quality operatic experiences.
Featured Soloist Include:
La Médium – Spanish Language National Premiere *
Presented by Fort Worth Opera
October 20, 2023 | 7:30 pm
October 21, 2023 | 7:30 pm
October 22, 2023 | 2:00 pm
Rose Marine Theater|1440 N Main St
By Composer and Librettist Gian Carlo Menotti
Directed by Malena Dayen
Putting complex women at the forefront and deepening collaborative ties, Fort Worth Opera will present La Médium, a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti; tickets start at $50. Internationally recognized director, performer, and visual artist Malena Dayen will direct the production. Dayen previously directed the Fort Worth Opera’s 2023 production of Aida.
The opera tells the story of Madame Flora, played by Janara Kellerman, a fraudulent medium who pretends to communicate with the dead, along with her two assistants, Monica, played by Cristina María Castro and Toby – a silent friend. The opera explores Madame Flora’s descent into madness as she begins to experience a series of terrifying events during her séances. La Médium delves into themes of sanity and the supernatural and will be performed in Spanish with English titles at the Rose Marine Theater. Perfectly timed with Halloween just around the corner, this chilling opera can’t be missed!
Amahl and The Night Visitors **
Presented by Fort Worth Opera featuring Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists
December 8, 2023 | 2:00 pm
December 9, 2023 | 11:00 am + 3:00 pm
December 10, 2023 | 2:00 pm
Botanical Research Institute of Texas | 1700 University Dr.
Written by Gian Carlo Menotti
Ringing in the holiday season will be the highly celebrated annual partnership with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and the return of Amahl and the Night Visitors. The beloved one-act opera composed by Gian Carlo Menotti. It tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Amahl and his mother, who are visited by three kings to see the newborn baby Jesus. The story is a poignant reminder of the generosity and power of love, featuring operatic and folk music elements. Its themes and characters are beautifully crafted to resonate with the collective experiences of people from all walks of life, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences across the globe.
Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long **
Presented by Fort Worth Opera featuring Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists
December 16, 2023 | 2:00 pm
Location TBD
Closing out 2023, the Fort Worth Opera will present Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long, a FREE community concert featuring Christmas songs, timeless carols, holiday favorites, opera classics, and more performed by Fort Worth Opera’s Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists.
dwb (Driving While Black) – Regional Premiere *
Presented by Fort Worth Opera in Collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum and Texas Christian University
February 16, 2024 | 7:30 pm
February 17, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Van Cliburn Concert Hall | 2900 W Lowden St.
Secondary Performance Location:
Kimbell Art Museum | 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd
February 24, 2024 | 2:00 pm
Composer – Susan Kander; Librettist – Roberta Gumbel
Ticket Prices: $20, $35, $55
Launching in 2024 and in concert with Black History Month, Fort Worth Opera presents dwb (Driving While Black), a montage of poetic and haunting moments examining the trials and triumphs Black mothers experience as their children come of age in a society plagued by racism and inequality. Described as “deeply affecting and innovatively conceived” by Opera News, this modern work will surely be a profoundly compelling work that will stay with audiences long past curtain call. The opera is composed by Susan Kander and features a libretto by Roberta Gumbel. Performances will take place at Van Cliburn Concert Hall and at the Kimbell Art Museum.
To accompany the performance of dwb (Driving While Black), Fort Worth Opera will also host a symposium on February 17, 2024, that will delve into the themes explored in the opera. The symposium will be held at a location and time yet to be announced.
La Bohème – Semi-Staged Performance*
Presented by Fort Worth Opera in Partnership with The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
April 5, 2024 | 7:30 pm
April 7, 2024 | 2:00 pm
Bass Performance Hall | 525 Commerce St.
By Composer – Giacomo Puccini; Librettist – Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa
Ticket Prices: $22, $60, $100, $135, $165, $195
Celebrating its grand return to Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth Opera presents a semi-staged performance of La Bohème, a timeless story of young love set in the heart of 19th-century Paris. The opera follows the lives of a group of Bohemian artists as they navigate poverty, friendship, and romance. La Bohème is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the complexities of love, loss, and friendship, set against the backdrop of bohemian Paris. It is a classic love story that has resonated across generations, a favorite of opera lovers and novices alike. Its cultural impact continues to be felt as it has inspired many modern-day artists like Broadway writer Jonathan Larson (Rent) and Hollywood director and producer Baz Luhrmann, among others. La Bohème will be presented in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles at Bass Performance Hall. Fort Worth Opera will fully embrace the true definition of “semi-staged” by including gorgeous costumes, engaging dramatic staging, and breathtaking projections. As an added benefit, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will perform on stage alongside the remarkable cast! This poignant and visually striking production will be directed by Chuck Hudson and conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
A proud moment for Fort Worth Opera, this production will showcase the thriving vibrancy which exists in the opera world. Turner Wilson and team intentionally chose a diverse cast of performers to wow audiences! The cast list includes award-winning Elizabeth Caballero, a Cuban-America lyric soprano who immigrated to the U.S. in the 80s and will play the title role of Mimi. Playing her lover Rudolfo is tenor Alok Kumar, a rising star in the world of opera, who was born in India and moved to the United States at a young age, on top of his international performance career, Kumar has had a highly successful career as a lawyer and currently engages in immigration advocacy work. Joining the cast as Colline is Kofi Hayford, a Ghanaian-American bass who is swiftly building his reputation as an accomplished young singer. Fort Worth Opera’s great wish for all attendees to see themselves reflected on stage! To take a fun and engaging look back at La Bohème’s history at Fort Worth Opera, which first took the stage in 1948, visit HERE.
An Evening with Morris Robinson *
Presented by Fort Worth Opera
June 18, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Location TBD
Hosted by Morris Robinson
Ticket Prices: $50
Capping off the 2023 – 2024 season is a one man show performed by All-American college football player and 2022 Grammy Award-winning bass Morris Robinson! Robinson will present works from the classic cannon and as well as traditional Black spirituals in honor of Juneteenth.
2023 – 2024 Fort Worth Opera Young Artist Program
Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists
A discovery and training program for emerging young opera singers, the Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artist program offers professional experience to exceptional performers every year. This group of highly talented and driven young opera singers is selected through a nationwide audition process. Contracted for one full season, they come to Fort Worth Opera to work for a professional opera company in order to further or launch their performance careers.
The 2023 – 2024 Season Resident Artists Are:
2023 – 2024 Season Fort Worth Opera TCU Studio Artists
Fort With Opera is proud to partner with the Texas Christian University (TCU) School of Music to provide their Artist Diploma students with an enriched experience during their time at TCU. From educational operas to chorus and cover roles on the main stage, this program has proven to give the student a hybrid learning environment where they can work professionally while completing their degree plan.
The 2023 – 2024 Season TCU Studio Artists Are:
Additionally details to follow as the season continues. For more details surrounding subscription packages, visit: https://www.fwopera.org.
For more information about Fort Worth Opera or to set up an interview with Angela Turner Wilson, please contact Ivy Lopez at ivy@hollandcollective.co.
Fort Worth Opera At-A-Glance
SOCIAL CHANNELS: Facebook| Instagram | Twitter| Youtube: @FortWorthOpera
TICKETS: Season package renewals available NOW through June 26, 2023 at a reduced rate. Please Note: single tickets for season add-on productions are currently available but seats will not be assigned until after June 23, 2023. New season package purchases available today. Seats will be assigned no later than July 1, 2023. Single tickets available for purchase on all production mid-July. For more information, please call 817.731.0726 or toll-free at 1.877.396.7372. For latest up-to-date ticket information, visit www.fwopera.org.
ABOUT FORT WORTH OPERA
Founded in 1946, Fort Worth Opera is now in its 78th season. We continue our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration and access in order to better serve our community. The company’s Civic Impact programs bring opera directly into the community making performance experiences accessible to all. The Children’s Opera Theatre program reaches about 40,000 students across North Texas each season with live, interactive performances. Fort Worth Opera strives to continue our mission to educate, entertain, and expand the horizons of current and future audiences and artists through variety and artistic integrity.
Fort Worth Opera is sponsored in part by gifts from The Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, The City of Fort Worth, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Visit Fort Worth, and OPERA America. Additional funding for Fort Worth Opera provided by Claytor Family Charitable Foundation Inc., Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation, Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Amon G. Carter Foundation, Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust, DuBose Family Foundation, Robert D. & Alma Moreton Foundation, Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust, The Rea Charitable Trust, The Burnett Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Ann L. & Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust, The Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation, North Texas Community Foundation, The Red Oak Foundation, Alcon Foundation, Fifth Avenue Foundation, Garvey Texas Foundation, Mary Potishman Lard Trust, Barbara Ann Baldridge Foundation, Marriott, Sewell Automotive, JP Morgan, Luther King Financial, Fisher Family Trust, and Simmons Bank. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Fort Worth Opera.
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