COVID-19 UPDATES & SPECIAL CONTENT
Stay connected and inspired with Covid-19-related updates and special features, including Q&A’s with your favorite OD artists, our Virtual Neighborhood Choir for kids & more.
OCT 20, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s Learn a Dance: Jarabe Tapatio
Welcome back to our Virtual Neighborhood Choir! We are excited to learn new things, sing, move our bodies, and make music together with all of you. Today, Ms. Lianna will teach your child the dance “Jarabe Tapatio”, or the Mexican Hat Dance. We’ll see you next week (and every Tuesday) for more episodes.
Tenor RICHARD TROXELL makes his OD debut with AL FRESCO ARIAS (Aug. 27 & 28)!
HOMETOWN: Thurmont, Maryland
ROLE CALL: A regular at The Met (he made his debut in Michael Mayer’s 2016 production of Rigoletto), Richard was scheduled to appear in the company’s much-anticipated Spring production of Káťa Kabanová, but Covid-19 had other plans. Other recent appearances include Turridu in Cavalleria Rusticana and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Knoxville Opera (2019), and Don José in Carmen (in concert) with the St. Barts Music Festival.
FUN FACTS: Equally at home on Broadway (he starred in Sondheim’s Do I Hear a Waltz in 2016) and the concert stage (he’s performed with the BBC Orchestra, the Berlin Radio Symphony, and the Boston Pops), Richard is also Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Tenor, often singing the national anthem before big games.
He is also a star of the big and small screen. He starred in Martin Scorsese's cinematic release of Madame Butterfly; and night owls may recognize him from hilarious bits on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, like this one.
Baritone TIMOTHY MIX returns for AL FRESCO ARIAS (Aug. 27 & 28)!
HOMETOWN: Fairfax, Virginia
ROLE CALL: Tim is a familiar face and voice to OD fans — he starred as Joseph de Rocher in Dead Man Walking (2019), Claudius in Amleto (2016), and appeared as a soloist in our Sunday Artist Spotlight series (2016). Other appearances for the 2019/20 season included the role of Milcom Negley in The Last American Hammer with Pittsburgh Opera, Older Thompson in Glory Denied with Urban Arias, and Count Capulet in Romeo and Juliet with San Francisco Opera.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM: “Tim Mix is sensational as Joseph de Rocher,” raved The Cultural Critic of our 2019 production of Dead Man Walking. Of his recent performance in Glory Denied, Broadway World gushed, “If there's such a thing as beyond perfect, baritone Timothy Mix is that thing.”
FUN FACT: “I'm a dual citizen with Finland and the U.S. I feel a real kinship with the Wilmington area as it was where the Swedish colony was located that included lots of Finns. (Finland was part of Sweden at the time.)”
Soprano MAKEDA HAMPTON makes her OD debut with AL FRESCO ARIAS (Aug. 27 & 28)!
HOMETOWN: New Castle, DE
ROLE CALL: Makeda recently made her Metropolitan Opera debut as an ensemble member in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (2019/20 season). Other recent appearances include her soloist debut with Baltimore Concert Opera’s Thirsty Thursdays at the Opera and singing the role of Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire with University of Kentucky Opera Theater.
FAVORITE ARIA TO SING ONSTAGE: "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide
FAVORITE SONG TO SING IN THE CAR: "Everything is Everything" by Lauryn Hill
WHEN DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH OPERA: “My freshman year in college when I was a music minor — one of the seniors in the music department gave me two mixt CDs. One was of opera arias with sopranos like Beverly Sills, Joan Sutherland, Anna Moffo, Leontyne Price, and Reri Grist. The second was a copy of the legendary Spirituals in Concert at Carnegie Hall album with Kathleen Battle & Jessye Norman.”
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY DURING QUARANTINE?: “I've been doing some virtual recordings (mostly ensemble), teaching private voice lessons, and discovering shows on Netflix. I'm also working on a solo vocal project.”
MANY OF OUR AL FRESCO ARIAS ARTISTS HAVE NOTED HOW MUCH THEY’VE MISSED THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH LIVE AUDIENCES… : “I totally agree that live performance and human interactions are a vital part of our livelihoods. I am introverted and generally okay in places that are quiet, but performing live and engaging with my colleagues and audience members has always provided the ‘extroverted’ balance for me, and I do miss that a lot.”
“I think our current reality has forced the opera world to truly focus on art being for everyone by redirecting the attention to the multitude of diverse communities and the artists that reflect and represent them.”
Get to know marvelous mezzo CHRYSTAL E. WILLIAMS, returning to OD for AL FRESCO ARIAS (Aug. 27 & 28)!
HOMETOWN: Portsmouth, Virginia
ROLE CALL: OD fans may remember Chrystal from her stunning performances as Charlotte in our concert production of Werther and as a soloist in Petite Messe Solennelle (2017). Other recent appearances include her Met Opera debut as Maketaten in Akhnaten (2019), Rebecca Parker in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird with Seattle Opera (2019), and The Stewardess in Flight with Minnesota Opera.
FAVORITE ARIA TO SING ONSTAGE: “Hmmmm… does it have to be only one?!”
FAVORITE SONG TO SING IN THE CAR: “‘Amazing Grace’, made up jingles, whatever opera is playing, or Gaúcho songs!”
WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH OPERA?: “In middle school during a touring sample of The Governor’s School for the Arts, Vocal Department. Robert Brown was playing a snippet of the Carmen children’s chorus, and his back was vibrating as he sang. Those vibrations were calling my name, and I answered the call!”
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY DURING QUARANTINE?: Cooking, eating, praying, planning, writing, and creating
MANY OF OUR AL FRESCO ARIAS ARTISTS HAVE NOTED HOW MUCH THEY’VE MISSED THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH LIVE AUDIENCES… : “The atmosphere, the aura, is set when we all walk into the theater, into the space, if not before starting with our mindsets. Every breath, sigh, laugh, and cry bring our created world to life. We share in vibrations, and without our other half, our audience, that space is not the same.
“I’m glad we can reach more audience members via technology, yes. We can all be watching a show from all across the world, sharing in that same beloved moment. But for me, the space and atmosphere created in live theater, live art, cannot be replaced. Nor should it be.
“I walk into this new era with new grace and hope for a better way forward; where the artist-audience connection is not seeking to be the same but gracefully different and connected in a new way...
“We are creating art for the times in which we live. And, I am blessed and grateful to be able to be a creator and sharer of such needed beauty. The heart knows no bounds, and such is our art, our life.”
COMING SOON: MEET AL FRESCO ARIAS STARS RICHARD TROXELL (TENOR) & TIMOTHY MIX (BARITONE)
AUG 13, 2020: OD’S PIVOT TO OUTDOOR SHOWS FEATURED IN DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES
baritone daniel rich in drive-through arias
Many thanks to the DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES for highlighting OD’s pivot to outdoor programming during the pandemic. An excerpt:
“OperaDelaware General Director Brendan Cooke concedes that ‘singing indoors is about the least safe thing you can do these days,’ but the current shutdown has left him with a bit of a quandary. When we’re not presenting opera, what are we?’ he said… We normally aim for an audience of 800 to 900 people, but now it’s 50 people in the parking lot. We normally have 150 to 200 people in a production; now it’s 2 to 3 people on a fire escape…
“‘The curious thing for us is that opera tailgating seems more accessible. While we’re staying in touch with our patrons, we’ve also seen 25% new visitors,’ he said.”
Arts organizations take different paths to surviving the pandemic (Delaware Business Times website)
AUG 11: 2020: DELIVERING A “MUSICAL HUG” TO BAYHEALTH HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Our mobile POP-UP OPERA trailer traveled to Sussex and Kent counties this week to serenade healthcare workers at Bayhealth hospital in Milford and Infusion Solutions of Delaware in Dover.
Check out the coverage from WBOC News, then find out how you can book your own outdoor Pop-Up Opera performance today!
OperaDelaware Holds Pop-Up Concert at Bayhealth Hospital (WBOC News)
AUG 1, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s Learn to Read Rhythms
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson below:
In this episode, Ms. Kim teaches the basics of reading rhythms in duple meter.
AL FRESCO ARIAS returns August 6 & 7 with an all-new cast, including two fan favorites and an exciting debut!
Joining OD Head of Music Staff AURELIEN EULERT are soprano COLLEEN DALY, tenor PETER SCOTT DRACKLEY, and bass-baritone BEN WAGER. Get to know them here, then get your tickets today!
COLLEEN DALY (SOPRANO)
HOMETOWN: Ellicott City, MD
ROLE CALL: A familiar face (and voice) to OD patrons, Colleen last appeared in Opera Uncorked: Mayhem, Madness, Malbec and more (2018), as a soloist in Petite messe solennelle and Inside the Opera Studios: Ladies’ Night (2017). She also enchanted audiences as Violetta in La traviata (2011), and was slated to return to The Grand’s stage as Antonia in our Festival production of The Tales of Hoffmann. Other recent appearances include soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Carmel Symphony, Persephone in REV. 23 with the PROTOTYPE Festival in NYC, and Micaëla in Carmen with Tulsa Opera.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY SINCE MARCH?: “I have a 6 year old and 3 year old so I'm *always* busy. But I have been able to do some gardening and home improvement projects, as well as cooking, baking, lots of virtual teaching, and attending our at-home happy hour in the evenings.”
WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST ABOUT PERFORMING LIVE?: “The energy of the community that surrounds live performances — the performers, artistic and operations staff, the audience; the feeling of working towards a common goal that enriches everyone's lives creates an energy unlike any other. I miss it SO much.”
PETER SCOTT DRACKLEY (TENOR)
HOMETOWN: Lancaster, PA
ROLE CALL: Lauded by critics as “a young Pavarotti [with] charisma, wonderful diction, and a powerful Italianate sound” (Operatoonity) and an "intense stage presence" (Opera Today), Peter’s recent appearances include Scalia in Scalia/Ginsburg with Opera Carolina and Opera Grand Rapids, Rodolfo in La bohème with Opera Idaho, and Cavaradossi in Tosca with Opera in the Heights.
OFFSTAGE HOBBY: “I have taken up infusing liquor with different flavors, and using them for my own bartending concoctions. My top flavors for infusing are bacon, lavender, and earl grey tea.”
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY SINCE MARCH?: “I have a private studio of Classical and Musical Theatre singers who are preparing for the performing world to open up again. They’re all performing and growing in their technique and skills, and I am so proud of the work they’re doing. I’ve also been spending time with family and hunting for an apartment in Chicago.”
WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST ABOUT PERFORMING LIVE?: “I’ve missed so much — working with brilliant colleagues, telling the story onstage, feeling the lights on my face, the energy of the audience engaging in the world my colleagues on stage and in the pit have created. It’s the most satisfying feeling to be exhausted and proud of the work you’ve accomplished on stage. I look forward to that feeling again with Al Fresco Arias in August!”
BEN WAGER (BASS-BARITONE)
HOMETOWN: Havertown, PA
ROLE CALL: A fan favorite, Ben’s previous OD appearances include the Commentator in Scalia/Ginsburg and warden George Benton in Dead Man Walking (2019), Lo Spettro/Luciano in Amleto (2016), and Banco in Macbeth (2013). He was also a soloist in Petite messe solennelle and Inside the Opera Studio: Devils, Drunks & Dastardly Dudes (2017). Other recent roles include Farfarello in The Love For Three Oranges with Opera Philadelphia and soloist in Bruckner’s “Te Deum“ with Charlottesville Symphony.
OFFSTAGE HOBBIES: Homebrewing and playing guitar
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY SINCE MARCH?: “See above! I’ve also kept busy with several construction projects in my South Philly home. I’ve turned out to be quite the handyman.”
WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST ABOUT PERFORMING LIVE?: “I can’t wait to reconnect with great colleagues and friends at OD! I’ve sorely missed making and sharing live music for audiences.”
Three amazing artists will join OD’s Head of Music Staff AURELIEN EULERT for AL FRESCO ARIAS on July 23 & 24! Get to know them here:
RACHELE GILMORE (SOPRANO) Rachele was an audience favorite at our Ladies' Night studio concert in 2017. Other recent engagements include Blonde in The Abduction from the Seraglio with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City; Giulietta in The Capulets and Montagues with Opera San Antonio; Nannetta in Falstaff with Opera Omaha; Ninetta in The Thieving Magpie at The Glimmerglass Festival; and Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann at The Metropolitan Opera and Boston Lyric Opera.
DINYAR VANIA (TENOR) Praised for his “soulful voice” (DC Metro Theater Arts) and “consistently virile sound, clarity of articulation and… a sensitive way of sculpting a line” (Opera News), Dinyar last delighted OD audiences at 2007’s Viva la Diva benefit concert at The Grand. Recent appearances include the title role of Werther in concert with Opera Roanoke; Alfredo in La traviata and the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto in concert with Maryland Opera; Don José in Carmen with Opera Coeur d’Alene; and Lieutenant Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Syracuse Opera.
HAROLD WILSON (BASS) Praised by the New York Times for his “impressive focus, carrying power and quiet charisma”, Hal’s recent appearances include Il medico in Macbeth and Bertrand in Iolanta with The Metropolitan Opera and Don Basilio in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Opera Colorado. An OD fan favorite, Harold last graced The Grand’s stage as Oroe in Semiramide (2017) and Polonio in Amleto (2016).
Tickets for AL FRESCO ARIAS are going fast. Get your tickets today! Reminder: This is a bring-your-own chair event. For more info, please see operade.org/al-fresco-arias.
JULY 15, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s READ Tonic & Dominant Patterns
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Continue building your solfeggio skills with Ms. Kim as we learn how to read tonic and dominant patterns, some of the building blocks of music.
JULY 2, 2020: POP-UP OPERA AT CHRISTIANA CARE
It was an honor to serenade essential workers at Christiana Care’s Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital locations today as a thank-you for their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Check out a clip of the Pop-Up Opera performance from CBSPhilly.com.)
Many thanks to Gina Perregrino (mezzo-soprano), Jason Berger (tenor), Grant Youngblood (baritone), and OD’s Head of Music Staff Aurelien Eulert (keyboard) for lending their talents for our Pop-Up Opera trailer’s maiden voyage!
More Pop-Up Opera performances are coming soon — stay tuned!
READ MORE
The opera comes to Christiana Care (Delaware Online)
Livestream of Pop-Up Opera (Christiana Care)
JULY 2, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s Learn about Tonic & Dominant Patterns
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
In this video, Ms. Kim builds on our solfeggio skills and teaches us to identify tonic and dominant patterns--some the building blocks of music.
JUNE 29, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let's learn a mexican nursery rhyme
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
In today's lesson, we’ll learn the popular Mexican Nursery Rhyme "Un elefante se balanceaba".
Clockwise from top left: Julia Swan LAIRD, NATALIE ROSE HAVENS, DANIEL RICH & MATTHEW VICKERS
Drive-Through Arias, our latest outdoor, drive-in concert, returns to the OperaDelaware Studios lot on June 23 & June 24 with all new artists and new arias!
JULIA SWAN LAIRD (SOPRANO): A Delaware native, Julia is making her OperaDelaware debut with Drive-Through Arias. She’s a recent graduate of Arizona State University and alumna of the Accademia della Lirica Italiana in Bari, Italy, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival Opera Studio. Julia last delighted Delaware audiences with a recital at Winterthur, part of the museum’s Re-Vision 20/20: Through a Woman’s Lens exhibition.
NATALIE ROSE HAVENS (MEZZO-SOPRANO): Natalie is also making her OperaDelaware debut with Drive-Through Arias. The Cuban-American mezzo recently appeared as Aldonza in San Diego Music Theatre’s production of Man of La Mancha and as Julia Child in Savannah Voice Festival’s production of Bon Appétit. In the 2018-2019 season she was a resident Young Artist with Palm Beach Opera performing the role of Flora in La Traviata and singing and covering the role of Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus.
MATTHEW VICKERS (TENOR): An OD fan favorite, Matthew last graced The Grand’s stage as Luigi in our 2018 production of Puccini’s Il Tabarro. The Broad Street Review raved of his performance, “Vickers has a romantic presence and ample, bright squillo to ride Puccini’s lush orchestration.” Other recent roles include Principe Dimitri in Maggio Musicale Fiorentino’s Risurrezione and Sam Polk in Annapolis Opera’s production of Susannah.
DANIEL RICH (BARITONE): A 2020 Young Artist, Daniel was set to make his OperaDelaware debut last spring as Schlemihl in The Tales of Hoffmann and the Bartender in Speed Dating Tonight!. A graduate of Morgan State University and the Manhattan School of Music, this Baltimore, MD, native was recently seen as King Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Frostburg Opera and in recital at Delaware State University.
Tickets for Drive-Through Arias on June 23 & June 24 are still available. Buy tickets now, then watch your inbox for info on more outdoor performances, coming soon. We’re so excited so perform LIVE again and can’t wait to see you!
JUNE 12, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let's learn about protest songs
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Throughout history, music has been used to share the message of the people and inspire positive social change. In today’s lesson, Ms. Lianna teaches your child the famous protest song “This Land is Your Land.”
JUNE 10, 2020: HONK IF YOU LOVE OPERA
“Was it the optimal way to present and enjoy such beautiful music? Absolutely not. But was it wonderful? Absolutely!” -Broad Street Review
Last weekend, we held our first Covid-era performance, Drive-Through Arias. It was outdoors, socially distanced, and, well, downright exhilarating to hear live opera again. Bravi to our wonderful performers mezzo-soprano Gina Perregrino, tenor Jason Berger, baritone Grant Youngblood, and pianist Aurelien Eulert.
Check out this lovely review from Broad Street Review, then watch your inbox and operade.org for future outdoor performances (coming soon!). We can’t wait to revel with you again.
UPDATE: Tickets for our next Drive-Through Arias on June 23 & June 24 are now on sale!
JUNE 9 , 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — ADVANCED EDITION: Warm-Ups for Tenors & High Baritones
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while sheltering at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Mr. Phil and a few friends from the Wilmington Children’s Chorus present a sequence of vocal exercises designed to help young adults, especially high schoolers and advanced middle schoolers, develop their quality of tone, pitch, vowel, rhythm, dynamic range, and articulation.
MAY 27 , 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s Learn About Spirituals
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
In today’s video, Ms. Lianna teaches “Wade in the Water” and goes over some of the history of spirituals. This lesson is ideal for children ages 8-12
MAY 27 , 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Warm Ups for Sopranos & Altos
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
ADVANCED EDITION #3: Ms. Kim presents a sequence of vocal exercises designed to help young adults, especially high schoolers and advanced middle schoolers, develop their quality of tone, pitch, vowel, rhythm, dynamic range, and articulation.
MAY 27 , 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s have a musical storytime
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
In our very first “Early Learner Edition” of our Virtual Neighborhood Choir, Ms. Lianna reads the beloved children’s book “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons”. Today’s video is designed for children ages 3-6.
MAY 26, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — Let’s Learn Hotaru Koi
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
This Japanese song about fireflies is fun to sing by yourself, but it’s even more fun when you teach others to sing it in a round with you!
MAY 21, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — LET’S LEARN ABOUT JAZZ
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
“Let’s Learn about Jazz!” In today’s video, your child will learn about jazz! Ms. Lianna teaches a famous jazz standard and breaks down some of what makes this genre unique.
MAY 18, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — LET’S TAKE A MUSICAL STRETCH BREAK
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Combining music and movement, Ms. Kim gives children the opportunity to be creative with their bodies and their voices. Using techniques from Music Learning Theory and Laban Movement Analysis, children will experiment with the many ways we can move our bodies and be exposed to a variety of musical tonalities and meters.
MAY 14, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — LET’S LEARN SHOSHOLOZA
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Together, we’ll learn one of the most famous songs from South Africa and discover how this song became a symbol of hope and unity.
MAY 11, 2020: VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHOIR — LET'S LEARN ABOUT WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
Learn About West African Drumming with percussionist and educator, Jonathan Whitney. You'll even get a chance to make music together with Mr. Jonathan and his "assistant" Alicia!
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
In today’s video, we’ll learn how to cope with stress and uncertainty using breathing, stretching, and music!
Music: George and Ira Gershwin Arr: Maurice C. Whitney
A moment of beauty and inspiration, courtesy of our head of music staff, Aurelien Eulert. Thanks, Aurelien!
DAVID POLLACK VINTAGE POSTERS is generously donating up to $10,000 in poster sales by friends of OperaDelaware to help us weather the Covid-19 crisis.
The premiere vintage poster retailer has already donated over $15,000 to our organization, and 100% of new purchases by friends of OperaDelaware through June 30 will be donated directly to our general operating fund. This is a great opportunity to support us and treat yourself to an original poster.
How to participate in the fundraiser:
PICK YOUR POSTER First, browse the collection of over 200,000 original posters at dpvintageposters.com. Categories include Movies, Theater and Music (where we found the opera posters pictured here), Travel, Transportation, Advertising, Political and Protest, Sports, Spirits, and more. There's a beautiful poster for every interest and price range!
CONTACT OPERADELAWARE TO PURCHASE When you're ready to buy, email Mary Wilcosky at mwilcosky@operade.org with your order. Please include a link to the poster (or posters) you want to purchase and your phone number. We will then follow up with you to confirm the order and process your donation/purchase. Please allow us 24-48 hours to respond. (All posters are original and limited in availability. A shipping and handling charge of $25 will be added to your order; optional archival linen backing can be added, when applicable. We will confirm all charges prior to placing your order.)
PLEASE NOTE: Do not purchase directly through dpvintageposters.com for this fundraiser. You must contact OperaDelaware to complete the transaction and confirm that this purchase is to benefit OperaDelaware.
Questions? Please contact us — we're happy to help!
MANY THANKS TO DAVID AND LUCY POLLACK FOR THEIR SUPPORT!
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
ADVANCED EDITION 2, BREATHING FOR SINGERS: In this video, Singing Voice Specialist and Speech Language Pathologist, Philip Doucette, helps us understand the process of breathing through body mapping and breathing exercises. For singers and voice users ages 13 and up.
Music has power to inspire, heal, and unite us even when we must be apart. So on what would have been opening weekend of our 2020 Festival, please enjoy this aria from Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea, performed by soprano Lindsay Ohse, countertenor Rodolfo Girón, and Maestro Anthony Barrese, along with a special introduction from General Director Brendan Cooke.
Wishing you good health and good spirits during these challenging times. As always, thank you to our OperaDelaware family for your support.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
ADVANCED EDITION 1, STRETCHES FOR SINGERS: In 15 minutes, Singing Voice Specialist and Speech Language Pathologist, Philip Doucette, helps us stretch specific areas of the body that can impact how we sing. For singers and voice users ages 13 and up.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
LET’S LEARN “BRINCA LA TABLITA”: In less than 10 minutes, your child will learn this Spanish counting song, including a jumping game! Ms. Kim also gives suggestions for more activities your child can do at home to expand on this mini music lesson.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
LET’S LEARN “CHE CHE KULE”: In just 7 minutes, your child will learn an entire song, including movement! “Che Che Kule” is a call and response song, so it's the perfect activity to try as a family!
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
LET’S WARM UP OUR VOICES: In 15 minutes, Ms. Kim takes young singers through the basics of warming up, including stretching, body alignment, breathing, and vocal exercises. Ideal for youth ages 8-12 who have some singing experience. #KeepSinging
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher. Check out the latest lesson here:
LET’S PLAY THE DRUMS: Take a little time today to be creative! Find household objects to use as a makeshift drum and experiment with sounds, patterns, and dynamics (but don’t forget to always respect the boundaries in your house)! Try out some at-home activities, and don’t forget to tag us if you share your video on social media!
Welcome to our Virtual Neighborhood Choir! The Wilmington Children’s Chorus and OperaDelaware have teamed up to provide virtual “mini” music lessons for music-loving kids to do while social distancing at home. Lessons will include singing, free movement, body percussion, and mindfulness, and are designed for your child to join in with their teacher.
Everyone is welcome in our Virtual Neighborhood! Check out the introduction video, then join us for these weekly online music lessons on OperaDelaware’s YouTube channel.
Lesson 1: Let’s Learn a Song: Fanga Alafia!
Dear Friends,
First and foremost, I hope this note finds you in good health and good spirits during this extraordinary time. Please know that your friends at OperaDelaware are working furiously to ensure that when we are able to safely gather again at The Grand and our Riverfront Studios, we will have thoughtful, surprising, and delightful programming to offer you, our loyal patrons. Until then, we are combing our archives for recent studio performances to stream on our website and exploring other ways to connect with and inspire you—stay tuned. In the meantime, here are few ways to get your opera fix at home:
Connect with us on social media. If you’re not already following OperaDelaware on Facebook, please give us a “like.” We’ll be posting occasional content, like this video of our wonderful 2020 Young Artists from their welcome dinner in early March.
>OperaDelaware on Facebook
Take a deep dive with The Aria Code. We are hooked on this fascinating and creative podcast produced by The Met and WQXR. Each 30-minute episode features an eclectic panel of guests who explore and deconstruct a famous aria. It’s a great listen during your morning walk or while preparing dinner. Stream it on The Met’s website, or download it from your favorite podcast platform.
> The Metropolitan Opera / Aria Code podcast
Watch a full opera or two...or 100. Bookmark these comprehensive lists from Opera America and OperaWire to stream live and recorded performances from companies around the globe.
> Opera America
> OperaWire
While we know there is no substitute for live grand opera, we hope that the diversions listed above bring you a dose of joy and wonder during these tough times.
Lastly, on behalf of everyone at OD, I want to thank you, our opera family, for all of the kind messages that have flooded our inboxes. We are truly touched and uplifted by your steadfast support. Be safe. Be healthy. Be well.
Kindest regards,
Brendan Cooke
General Director, OperaDelaware
THE ABOVE 2019/20 SEASON PERFORMANCES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
As you know, OperaDelaware cancelled all remaining performances in our 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting state closures and restrictions. The impact that this crisis has already had on the non-profit arts sector is potentially devastating, as COVID-19 has robbed us of many of our sources of both earned and contributed income.
Our priority today is to find ways to support the artists who were contracted to perform with us this year, many of whom have lost several performance contracts in a row. When we are able to safely gather again, it will be the artists who will help us heal. Today, we need to be there for them. Without artists, there is no art.
If you are a ticket-holder of a cancelled 2019/20 production, we are asking you to consider converting your ticket sale into a donation, something we are proud to say that our entire board has committed to do. 100% of ticket sales converted to donations will be offered DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS who were engaged for our spring festival.
If you are unable to convert your ticket sale to a donation in support of our artists, we ask that you consider converting your tickets to a credit that can be used at a future performance.
Finally, if the COVID-19 outbreak has caused you financial hardship, and you are unable to consider OperaDelaware’s request for support, we will certainly refund any ticket purchase.
Please take a moment to fill out the following form in order to let us know your preference with regard to your ticket purchase:
Please make every effort to complete the form before March 23 so that we may get funds into the hands of those who need them quickly. We ask for your patience, as we anticipate a high volume of responses.
OperaDelaware is committed to doing everything we can to bring opera to our community, but those options are severely limited at this time. If you are in a position to make an additional donation toward our general operations, we will certainly need all the support we can get as we navigate these uncharted waters.
We need music and beauty now more than ever. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity during these challenging times.
Wishing you good health, safety and good spirits in the coming weeks and months, and looking forward to seeing you when we are again able to gather.
SPECIAL BOX OFFICE LINE FOR CANCELLED PERFORMANCES: 302-442-7811
SEE UPDATED OPTIONS FOR TICKET-HOLDERS
Due to concerns over COVID-19 and out of abundance of caution and concern for our community, we have decided to cancel all remaining OperaDelaware performances for the 2019-2020 season. This decision is in accordance with the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Delaware, in which Governor Carney advised that all gatherings of 100 or more persons be canceled for the near future. We recognize that this is an extraordinary measure, and we are taking it to protect our valued patrons, our performers, and all who work behind the scenes for OperaDelaware. Your safety and well-being are paramount to us.
Unfortunately, given the complexity of our productions, we are unable to take a “wait and see” approach for the near term, especially with regard to the 2020 Festival. With uncertainties surrounding access to venues, increased travel and housing difficulties, and other commitments of our principal artists, simply moving the performances by a few weeks is not a viable option at this time. We are keenly aware of the difficulties that this decision will create for our artists, designers, technicians and you, our patrons.
Please know that we are exploring any and all options to present these wonderful productions in the future. We value those who bring this art to life, many of whom have already invested a great deal of time and money in their preparations, and we know that they are the most impacted by canceled performances. In addition to looking for alternate performance options, we are examining what we can do as a company to support these artists financially at this time.
What can you do to help OperaDelaware and our dedicated artists?
First: Please have patience. We are navigating uncharted territory. Please know that we’re working furiously to find solutions, but we ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to refine our plan.
Next: Within the next 7-10 days, we will send a communication with options for our ticket holders. OperaDelaware hopes that you will consider converting your ticket purchase into a donation. These funds will be critical as we work on strategies to at least partially compensate our artists. If you are able, we hope that you will also consider an additional donation to OperaDelaware, as we will undoubtedly need operating resources as we regroup and plan for life post–COVID-19.
If converting a ticket purchase to a donation is not possible at this time, we hope that you would consider transferring your ticket to a future performance. If your circumstances do not allow for either of these options, OperaDelaware will process a refund on your ticket purchase. Further details regarding these processes will be forthcoming.
Please continue to monitor your email and OperaDelaware’s website/social media accounts for updates regarding scheduling and future performances.
We thank you for your continued friendship and loyalty to OperaDelaware, and appreciate your patience, support, and understanding during these unprecedented circumstances.
Wishing you health and safety,
General Director Brendan Cooke & the Board of OperaDelaware
SPECIAL BOX OFFICE LINE FOR CANCELLED PERFORMANCES: 302-442-7811
This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
