Outstanding young singers and pianist will perform selected classical works
What: HGO’s popular Studio Recital series is back with artists of the Houston Grand Opera Studio performing an intimate program of classical works Nov. 15 and Nov. 18 at Rienzi, the European decorative arts arm of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The up-and-coming singers and pianist, among the most talented in the world of opera, will perform works by a variety of composers, including Erik Satie, Francis Poulenc, Alma Mahler, Joseph Lang, Richard Wagner, Paul Bowles, Charles Ives, Felix Mendelsson, John Philip Sousa and more. These performances are the first in the Studio Recital series for 2018 -19, with two in February and two more in May of 2019.
Additionally, the program includes a new commission by female composer, Jamie Leidwinger, that soprano Dorothy Gal and pianist Blair Salter will perform. Titled “Sheltered Garden,” the work is a set of four songs that explore themes of societal norms, the desire to escape from society into nature, and the ultimate chaos of nature that brings us back to our familiar human surroundings.
The Houston Grand Opera Studio is one of the most respected young artist programs in the country. For more than 40 years, it has served promising singers and pianist/coaches, providing a bridge between full-time training and full-fledged operatic careers. During a residency of up to three years, each performer receives customized training from an expert team while gaining invaluable performance experience at the highest level.
Who: HGO Studio performers at Rienzi include Dorothy Gal, soprano; Geoffrey Hahn, baritone; Lindsay Kate Brown, mezzo-soprano; and Blair Salter, piano. Brian Speck is the director of the HGO Studio, and Michael Heaston is the music director.
When: Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m.
Where: Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, 1406 Kirby Dr., Houston 77019
Tariff: Admission to the recitals is $40. Packages for three recitals (November, February, and May) are also available for $99. To order tickets, click here<https://www.houstongrandopera.org/studio/hgo-studio-events/hgo-studio-recitals/>. To learn more about Houston Grand Opera, visit our website at HGO.org<http://www.houstongrandopera.org>.
About Houston Grand Opera
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is one of the largest, most innovative, and most highly acclaimed opera companies in the United States. HGO was the only American finalist for Opera Company of the Year at the 2017 International Opera Awards. In fulfilling its mission to advance the operatic art to serve an ever-evolving audience, HGO has led the field in commissioning new works (65 world premieres to date) and in training and nurturing promising young artists and administrators. The company contributes to the cultural enrichment of Houston and the nation through a diverse and innovative program of performances, community events, and education projects that reaches the widest possible public. HGO’s pioneering community engagement initiative, HGOco, has served as a model for other arts organizations.
The NEXUS Initiative is HGO’s multi-year ticket underwriting program that allows Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy opera without the barrier of price. Since 2007, NEXUS has enabled more than 250,000 Houstonians to experience superlative opera through discounted single tickets and subscriptions, subsidized student performances, and free productions.
HGO has toured extensively and has won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and three Emmy awards. It is the only opera company to win all three honors.