Maryland Opera will honor two couples who have led the way to enable future audiences to enjoy the immortal art form of opera with “Heritage Series” concerts on February 19 and March 26, both at 3:00 p.m.
These two-hour concerts with intermission will be presented from large, beautiful venues in the greater Baltimore area and feature artists of international acclaim joined by guest instrumentalists performing operatic tours de force. Each concert will be followed by a reception to celebrate our honorees.
The February 19 concert honors Allan & Claire Jensen and will be presented at Grace United Methodist Church in North Baltimore. The Jensens are long time opera supporters with a special interest in the nurturing of young singers. Their philanthropy supports many local organizations, including the Peabody Conservatory, The Baltimore Office of Aging, and the Enoch Pratt Library. The program will feature soprano Alexandra LoBianco, tenor Peter Scott Drackley, and baritone Sebastian Catana in selections from Turandot, Fidelio, Ariadne auf Naxos, and more.
The March 26 concert honors Malcolm & Sandra Berman and will be presented at Beth El Congregation in Pikesville. The Berman’s generosity is legendary in our community, impacting not only arts organizations but health, educational, and religious entities as well. The program will feature soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, tenor John Pickle, and baritone Todd Thomas in scenes from Puccini operas including La Fanciulla del West.
Stage and musical direction and piano accompaniment for all selections is by Maryland Opera’s Artistic Director, James Harp, long known for excellence in operatic performances and musical outreach in the Mid-Atlantic area.
“Our glorious art form is kept alive through the efforts of so many generous people, and we are so pleased to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of two couples who, through decades of hands-on and tireless philanthropy, have allowed us to present the operas that we love, and in doing so have helped secure the future of opera as well,” said Harp. “We will be offering truly grand opera presentations with truly grand, internationally renowned singers. Please join us as we celebrate great music and the great people that support us!”
Tickets are $25 and are available on Maryland Opera’s website, marylandopera.org, or by calling 484-678-6041, and at the door on the day of the performance. Seating is limited, though, so advance orders are recommended. Free parking is available at both venues.
COMPLETE EVENT DETAILS
The programs will be accompanied by Maryland Opera Artistic Director James Harp and a chamber orchestra.
Heritage Series Honoring Allan & Claire Jensen
Sunday, February 19, 2023 | 3:00 p.m.
Grace United Methodist Church
5407 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
Alexandra LoBianco, soprano
Peter Scott Drackley, tenor
Sebastian Catana, baritone
Heritage Series Honoring Malcolm & Sandra Berman
Sunday, March 26, 2023 | 3:00 p.m.
Beth El Congregation
8101 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21208
Amy Shoremount-Obra, soprano
John Pickle, tenor
Todd Thomas, baritone
About Maryland Opera
Maryland Opera offers quality opera performances, innovative artistry, support for social awareness and change, education and outreach programming, commitment to underserved communities, and a vehicle for talented young vocalists to follow their dreams. Maryland Opera builds on Baltimore’s century-old opera tradition that garnered critical acclaim for grand productions that featured opera’s greatest celebrities.
Maryland Opera is passionately invested in bringing the excitement and beauty of live opera–traditional programming as well as innovative and modern approaches–to diverse audiences, including historically underserved audiences throughout Maryland. They do so through numerous outreach programs, including Opera-to-Go, Opera Cares and Opera Camp.
For media questions, please contact Jason Buckwalter, Maryland Opera Executive Assistant, at 484.678.6041 or [email protected].
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