Get to know mezzo-soprano HANNAH LUDWIG
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RISING STAR: Hailed for a tone that is “chocolaty and large, yet with focus and agility” (New York Times), Ludwig recently wowed Baltimore audiences as Giovanna Seymour in Baltimore Concert Opera’s production of Anna Bolena (2019 - listen to a clip here). Other notable appearances include her Dallas Opera debut as Dritte Dame in Die Zauberflöte (2019) and her Opera Philadelphia debut as Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor (2018). Of her Alisa, the Broad Street Review raved: “Her performance builds upon a series of fine portrayals during her student days at the Academy of Vocal Arts; if she continues to bring such distinction to comprimaria assignments, leading roles at major houses cannot be far behind.”
PAUSE AND EFFECT: As predicted, Hannah’s 20/21 performance calendar was the stuff of mezzo dreams—until COVID hit. With her career suddenly on pause, the Philly-based singer did what artists do—she channeled and processed her emotions through her art. The result: SONGS FROM A DISTANCE, a stripped down, devastatingly raw yet hopeful recital conceived and created with pianist Laura Ward.
HIGH NOTES AND HEALING: “SONGS FROM A DISTANCE is one perspective of a performer in crisis,” says Hannah. “The separation between performers and the stage means a loss of their purpose, spirituality, and passion… this program is designed to reflect the impacts on a performer’s mental health, their community, the city in which they reside, and the loss of loved ones and friends.” Expect to hear songs by Schubert, Dominick Argento’s Pulitzer Prize-winning From the Diary of Virginia Woolf, and John Musto’s hauntingly beautiful Shadow of the Blues (based on the poetry of Langston Hughes). In addition to a post-performance Q&A with Hannah, the program will feature mental health resources and ways you can donate to artist relief funds.
Songs from a Distance photos by John Matthew Myers Photography