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I Love The Opera?

4/15/2017

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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.  
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Art & Soul . . . Celebrate African American Arts & Artists in the Triangle!

2/12/2017

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In the 2016 – 2017 theater season, there is a significant number of performances that are by or about African Americans. Performing arts groups are producing 17 African American plays and musicals as well as an African American opera. And the list continues to grow. This rich and diverse season provides wonderful showcases for playwrights, directors, and actors . . . plus meaningful and enjoyable experiences for audiences.

As founder of the Triangle Friends of African American Arts (Triangle FAAA), I felt that it was important that people knew about these upcoming performances so I decided to host an African American Theater Preview Event to increase awareness and foster excitement about this amazing theater season. Generating community interest in the preview event led to the development of a new initiative aptly named Art & Soul, a partnership with Triangle FAAA, local arts organizations and Triangle-area Convention and Visitors Bureaus for a year-long celebration of African American arts which will include special promotions, panel discussions, and community programming.

Launched in 2014, Triangle FAAA is an organization that engages the community with African American arts, cultivates audiences, and supports African American artists. Its scope encompasses all forms of art – music, dance, theater, literature and visual arts. In addition to promoting African American arts, Triangle FAAA hosts educational and social events including art exhibition tours, group attendance at performances and workshops on art-related subjects.

The African American Theater Preview Event hosted by Triangle FAAA in January was the first featured Art & Soul program. The preview event was held at the Raleigh Little Theatre and included a reception sponsored by ArtsNow. Over 350 people attended and the standing room only crowd experienced songs, scenes from plays and commentaries from playwrights. It was a special evening that left the audience inspired, uplifted, and excited about African American theater in the Triangle.

To learn more about opportunities to experience African American arts, go to our "Community Events" Calendar. After all, 2017 is a great time to start celebrating African American arts in the Triangle!

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    Sherri Holmes

    Founder & Director
    Triangle Friends of
    ​African American Arts 

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