Small and gutsy Opera Parallèle carries on during the pandemic closure by presenting a free monthly online recital series, Close-Up, March through June.
Combining music and stories, the recitals celebrate spring themes such as the equinox, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. Says General and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement:
This series is intended as a gift for the community — a small way for OP to give back. We want to provide an opportunity for people to get to know these amazing local artists a little more and have a shared experience while doing it. Something we’ve all been missing!
We hope people will come together safely to watch these short programs — to enjoy the music, perhaps a glass of wine, and spark some conversation around the themes we’re exploring. It was also important for OP to be able to provide work for our artists in this challenging time.
Each artist has selected their own repertoire and will share personal insights and anecdotes during the informal recital-style program. What better way to connect with a singer than through song?”
Each program will be released at 5 p.m. PT, with the artists and staff of Opera Parallèle online for conversation in the chat during the stream. Each program will remain online until the next release date, approximately a month for each.
The series begins on March 25, with soprano Shawnette Sulker, accompanied by Zachary Gordin; the program is to be announced.
A celebration of Earth Day, on April 22, will feature Tiffany Austin, jazz soprano, and Marcus Shelby on double bass.
Mother’s Day will be marked on May 6 with a recital by Kindra Scharich, mezzo-soprano, and Jeffrey LaDeur, piano.
On June 17, it’s time for Father’s Day and a performance by Kenneth Kellogg, bass-baritone, and Kevin Korth, piano.
