Maryland Opera continues its second season bringing the magic of grand opera to Baltimore for two performances on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 16 at 3 p.m. with a performance of “Passion at the Pendry: French Fantasies” presented in the historic Sagamore Ballroom of the world-class Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in the heart of Fell’s Point.  Building on the resounding success of its inaugural season by now presenting two performances, this event will feature selections from French operatic love stories, staged and costumed, with chamber orchestra accompaniment and projected English translations to ensure audience enjoyment of these iconic stories.

The program features selections from Thaïs, Manon, Samson et Dalila, Esclarmonde and the entire Venetian Act of Les Contes d’Hoffmann.  All the passion of French Grand Opera with themes of romance, seduction and intrigue will thrill the audience in the opulent ballroom of the Sagamore Pendry.

Joining us is an internationally acclaimed cast including sopranos Alexandra Batsios and Inna Dukach, mezzo-soprano Katelyn Jackman, tenor Won Whi Choi and baritone Mark Walters.

Stage and musical direction 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.

“We are thrilled to bring this program to Baltimore audiences,” raves Harp. “The program features exceptional Met-caliber artists along with the best of our Maryland-trained local singers performing some of the most beloved, romantic works in the operatic repertoire all set against the backdrop of the Pendry’s luxurious ballroom on Valentine’s weekend. If that doesn’t stir passion in your heart, I don’t know what will!”

Tickets are $50 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.  Valet parking as well as street and nearby garage parking will be available.

Enhance your weekend with special room and dining packages offered by the Sagamore Pendry. More information may be found on the Maryland Opera website: Marylandopera.org .

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.

Moving forward, Maryland Opera, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) that builds on this legacy of artistic greatness but promises to bring grand opera to the region in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner. Central to Maryland Opera’s success is Artistic Director James Harp, the creative visionary who sources electrifying emerging and established talent and fashions a visual and aural feast for passionate opera fans, reluctant opera-curious and everyone in between.

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.