Seriously? I even surprised myself with that statement but it’s true. As the founder of the Triangle of Friends of African American Arts, I seek out opportunities to experience the talents of African and African American performers. In 2014, the NC Opera presented an opera about Muhammad Ali. It was so unique, that I decided to see it and the performance was wonderful. The following year, the NC Opera presented Madama Butterfly. The title role was performed by Talise Trevigne an African American soprano. I was so excited! I told everyone about the opera, wrote an article, and distributed flyers, sent out emails. Over 20 people joined me at the performance. It was a miraculous experience. Trevigne was not just a wonderful singer but an inspiring actress. Everyone was uplifted and had an amazing time. I enjoyed the performance but thought my time with opera was done.
But NC Opera lured me back again the following year. The opera Das Rheingold also had an African American in the title role. Still, it was performed in German, a harsh sounding language and had an unusual plot. I knew other people would be interested so I brought a group but I didn’t have high hopes. And something amazing happened. I enjoyed it! The music, the sets, the performers. It was another wonderful experience. And I realized that I actually love the opera.
In a couple of weeks, the soprano who starred in Madama Butterfly is back performing with the NC Opera. The production is The Pearl Fishers, which is about two men who fight for the love of a mysterious woman. Guess who has that role? It will be sung in French (don’t worry there are subtitles) and the costumes are amazing. There will be a performance by dancers from the Carolina Ballet. Oh don’t forget the orchestra. Now this I want to see! After all, I love the opera. Join me and Triangle FAAA at a performance on Friday, April 28 at 8pm or Sunday, April 3
0 at 3pm. For more information, go to www.africanamericanarts.org.
Think you have no connection to the opera? Did you know that African Americans have been a part of the opera world for over 160 years? In 1853 Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield debuted at New York City’s Metropolitan Hall to a packed audience of 4,000. The Coloured Opera Company performed in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA in 1873. Harry Lawrence Freeman became the first African American to compose a full length opera in 1891.
But NC Opera lured me back again the following year. The opera Das Rheingold also had an African American in the title role. Still, it was performed in German, a harsh sounding language and had an unusual plot. I knew other people would be interested so I brought a group but I didn’t have high hopes. And something amazing happened. I enjoyed it! The music, the sets, the performers. It was another wonderful experience. And I realized that I actually love the opera.
In a couple of weeks, the soprano who starred in Madama Butterfly is back performing with the NC Opera. The production is The Pearl Fishers, which is about two men who fight for the love of a mysterious woman. Guess who has that role? It will be sung in French (don’t worry there are subtitles) and the costumes are amazing. There will be a performance by dancers from the Carolina Ballet. Oh don’t forget the orchestra. Now this I want to see! After all, I love the opera. Join me and Triangle FAAA at a performance on Friday, April 28 at 8pm or Sunday, April 3
0 at 3pm. For more information, go to www.africanamericanarts.org.
Think you have no connection to the opera? Did you know that African Americans have been a part of the opera world for over 160 years? In 1853 Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield debuted at New York City’s Metropolitan Hall to a packed audience of 4,000. The Coloured Opera Company performed in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA in 1873. Harry Lawrence Freeman became the first African American to compose a full length opera in 1891.
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