Maryland Opera celebrates the holidays with “Sounds of the Season” featuring seasonal music and opera arias and duets, including our holiday tradition:  a staged presentation of the most famous Christmas Eve scene in opera, the Finale of Act 1 of Puccini’s La Bohème.  The performances are Friday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the barn at Boordy Vineyards and Sunday, December 15, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on St. Paul Street.  Tickets are $34 for adults and $18 for students with valid student ID.

Soprano Rachel Blaustein, tenor Angel Raii Gomez, and Denyce Graves Foundation Artistic Ambassador baritone Marvin Wayne join us to sing opera, operetta and seasonal favorites sure to put you in the holiday mood.

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.

The Friday night performance in the gorgeous Boordy Vineyards barn will feature one silent auction item and a new tradition, our Ugly Sweater Contest.  Wear your best ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win a free bottle of wine.

“In a world that seems to be full of turmoil and upheaval, we desperately need the beatify and solace of great music,” said Harp.  “Holiday music can provide so much of that needed respite as we turn to family and friends in this gladsome season of love and peace.  Our internationally renowned soloists will be joined by an emerging young Artistic Ambassador from the Denyce Graves Foundation in a program sure to stir memories of past holidays and create new ones!  The highlight of the concert will be a fully staged presentation of the most famous Christmas Eve in opera—the inale of Act 1 of La Bohème.  As Mimì and Rodolfo sing “Amor, Amor” as they go in to the starry December night, may our hearts and minds join with them in our hopes for a world of peace, unity and love.”

Tickets are $34 for adults and $18 for students and are available on Maryland Opera’s website, www.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 the Boordy Vineyards property on December 13 and in the St. Mark’s Church parking lot across 20th Street from the church on December 15.

Friday, December 13, 2023 7:00 p.m.

Boordy Vineyards

12820 Long Green Pike

Hydes, MD 21082

Sunday, December 15, 2023

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

1900 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21218

Rachel Blaustein, soprano

Angel Raii Gomez, tenor

Marvin Wayne, baritone (Denyce Graves Foundation Artistic Ambassador)