Verdi Spectacular: A Magnificent Concert
Nov
17
2:00 PM14:00

Verdi Spectacular: A Magnificent Concert

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the premiere of Verdi's Requiem, Opera Magnifico presents a beautiful evening of Verdi favorites from emerging artists with dramatic and exciting voices. Featuring favorite Verdi hits from La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Verdi's Requiem, and more, save the date for this magnificent performance, accompanied by piano to highlight the spectacular voices. Venue TBA

View Event →
Kate Mayo in Beyond the Horizon (Nicolas Flagello) - World Premiere
Sep
15
4:00 PM16:00

Kate Mayo in Beyond the Horizon (Nicolas Flagello) - World Premiere

Nicolas Flagello

Beyond the Horizon | WORLD PREMIERE

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

Sunday, September 15th, 2024 at 4PM

BASED ON

Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Beyond the Horizon” by Eugene O’Neill.

LOCATION

LA MAMA Shares, 66 East 4th Street, New York NY

MUSIC BY

Nicolas Flagello

LIBRETTO BY

Nicolas Flagello and Walter Simmons

SUNG IN ENGLIGH

RUN TIME

Approximately 2 hours, includes a 30-minute intermission

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

CREATIVE TABLEAUX / YOUTH EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Saturday, September 14th 2024

This last dress rehearsal/performance is open to our Creative Tableaux, an educational outreach program participants only. No general admission. Details soon to be announced!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

CREATIVE TEAM

CAST

* Part of our collaboration with MyFace.

SECOND CAST

** Current Camerata Bardi International Academy participants

​——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

ABOUT “BEYOND THE HORIZON” THE PLAY​

  1. Author: Eugene O’Neill

  2. Awards: Pulitzer Prize-winning

  3. Written: 1918

  4. First Produced and Published: 1920

  5. Debut Location: New York

  6. Significance:

    • O’Neill’s first successful full-length play

    • Marked a change in American drama

  7. Reception:

    • Favorable response from critics and audiences

    • Known for its dark, tragic vision

  8. Context:

    • Contrasted with the unrealistic, melodramatic plays of the day

    • Inspired by O’Neill’s personal experiences, including his tuberculosis and sea voyages

READ BACKSTAGE REVIEW OF THE PLAY by David Steward

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ny-review-beyond-horizon-54509/

​ABOUT ” BEYOND THE HORIZON” BY NICOLAS FLAGELLO

  1. Composer: Nicholas Flagello

  2. Based on: Play by Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953)

  3. Significance of Play:

    • Written by Nobel laureate Eugene O’Neill

    • O’Neill is considered America’s greatest playwright

    • First published play by O’Neill

  4. Introduction to Composer: Brought to Flagello’s attention by musicologist Walter Simmons

  5. Composition Period: Several years, completed in short score in 1983

  6. Challenges:

    • Flagello developed a degenerative neurological condition

    • Condition ended his creative life prematurely

  7. Posthumous Completion:

    • Flagello died at age 66

    • Composer Anthony Sbordoni orchestrated the work

    • Left the work ready to perform

​Listen Ruth’s Aria Act III

​ABOUT NICOLAS FLAGELLO

Nicolas Flagello was born in New York City, into a family deeply immersed in music. His brother Ezio became one of the leading bassos of the Metropolitan Opera. Both his parents were avocational musicians, while his maternal grandfather was said to have studied with Verdi. For Nicolas music was a personal medium for emotional and spiritual expression, and this conviction underlay all his works. He began studying with the eminent composer of operas and songs, Vittorio Giannini (also the sibling of an operatic star, Dusolina Giannini), and the two remained close friends until the older man’s death. In recent years Flagello’s music has garnered enthusiastic advocacy, as many of his works have been performed and recorded.

Flagello’s previous operas have been well-received. When The Sisters (1958) was presented in New York City, the Herald-Tribune commented, “Flagello has the gift of writing gratefully for the voice, and his music has melodic sumptuousness. His orchestral texture is crystal-clear, and he knows how to underline dramatic events…first rate.” The following year he completed The Judgment of St. Francis, which was presented at the Cathedral of St. Francis, in Assisi. Musical America commented that the work’s “robust emotionalism is unflinching in its conviction, and its intensity is sustained by a sure sense of pacing, a natural flow of expressive melody integrated throughout the musical texture, and an ability to use voices, chorus, and orchestra to their maximum effect.” The critic for the New Yorker described it as “the most vigorous new opera I have come across in a long time…. [It displays] an unmistakable and totally unconfused talent for the operatic theatre.”

https://www.flagello.com/toc.htm

​ABOUT WALTER SIMMONS

Walter Gustave Simmons (b. New York, NY, 19 November 1946) is a musicologist, critic, and record producer. He is best known as a champion of 20th-century composers—mostly American—who hewed to traditional musical values, rather than joining the avant-garde movements then in fashion. His writings appear in reference books, including the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, program notes for concerts and recordings, and in a variety of periodicals, most notably Fanfare, where he was a regular contributor for 35 years. He has been supervising editor of the Twentieth-Century Traditionalists series for Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, of which he wrote the first two volumes. He has produced first recordings of dozens of works by such composers as Vincent Persichetti, Peter Mennin, Vittorio Giannini, Paul Creston, Nicolas Flagello, and Arnold Rosner.

https://walter-simmons.com/

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sponsors

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name *

  • ADDRESS

  • 75 Wall Street unit 25 I

  • New York 10005 NY

Teatro Grattacielo is a Professional Member of www.operaamerica.org

© Copyright 2020 Teatro Grattacielo - Web design by www.oltremedia.it

View Event →
Lola - Cavalleria rusticana (Regina Opera)
Feb
27
to Mar 10

Lola - Cavalleria rusticana (Regina Opera)

Melina will be performing the role of Lola in Cavalleria rusticana with Regina Opera

Feb 27, March 2, 3, 9, & 10, 2024, at 3 PM

BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Free Performance with piano: February 27, 2024, at 7 PM

Orchestra conducted by Scott Jackson Wiley
Staged by Sabrina Palladino
Performed in Italian with English

A square in a small village in Sicily, late 19th Century

At dawn on Easter Sunday, Turiddu can be heard serenading his mistress, Lola (“O Lola, ch’hai di latti la camisa”). The villagers enter the square, celebrating the beautiful spring morning. After they leave, Santuzza appears, looking for Turiddu at the tavern of his mother, Mamma Lucia. Mamma Lucia reluctantly tells her that Turiddu has gone to Francofonte to buy wine, but Santuzza replies that he was seen in the village late last night. Mamma Lucia, surprised that her son has not yet returned home, invites Santuzza into her house. Santuzza declines, reminding Mamma Lucia that she has been excommunicated. Mamma Lucia asks what she knows of her son, but before Santuzza can say more than that her heart is breaking, the villagers assemble in the square to greet Alfio, the village carter, who has just returned. He loves his work, but his loves his wife, Lola, even more, and confidently expects that she is waiting at home for him (“Il cavallo scalpita”).

Mamma Lucia greets him, and when he asks for her special wine, she tells him that Turiddu has gone to get some. Alfio replies, however, that he saw Turiddu near his house early that morning. Mamma Lucia is again surprised, but Santuzza warns her to keep quiet. Alfio tells everyone to go into church as a choir sings a Regina Coeli. Santuzza and Mamma Lucia pray with the villagers (“Inneggiamo”), who file into the church for Easter services.

Alone with Mamma Lucia, Santuzza tells her tragic story (“Voi lo sapete, o mamma”): Turiddu had been in love with Lola, but he went into the army, and by the time he returned, she had married Alfio. Turiddu took up with Santuzza on the rebound, and Santuzza fell deeply in love with him. But Lola was jealous and seduced Turiddu away from her, leaving Santuzza without love and without honor. She begs Mamma Lucia to pray for her in church while she tries to get Turiddu to come back to her.

Turiddu arrives, none too happy to see Santuzza. He tries to evade her attempts to speak to him, and when she tells him that he had been seen that morning near Lola’s house, he accuses her of spying on him. But she replies that she heard it from Alfio’s own lips. Turiddu becomes furious, asking her if she wants him to be killed and pushing her away from him. She accuses him of being in love with Lola, which he denies. He derides her jealousy as she declares her love for him (“Bada Santuzza, schiavo non sono”).

Their argument is interrupted by the arrival of Lola, who idly strolls by singing a love ditty (“Fior di giaggiolo”). She coolly asks Turiddu if he has seen Alfio and sarcastically asks Santuzza whether she is going to Mass. When Santuzza says that Mass is for those who have not sinned, Lola gives thanks to God, infuriating Santuzza. Turiddu, embarrassed, wants to leave, but Lola, with heavy irony, urges him to stay. Santuzza firmly does likewise, and Lola ambles off into church. Santuzza urgently pleads with Turiddu to stay and listen to her (“No, no, Turiddu, rimani ancora”), but he again accuses her of spying on him and orders her to leave. Finally, she threatens him, and when he says that he doesn’t give a damn about her anger, she curses him, and he stalks away into the church.

Alfio now arrives, and Santuzza takes this opportunity to tell him all about Lola and Turiddu. But when he swears vengeance on them, she is suddenly contrite — and it is too late for that.

The Mass having ended, the villagers file out, cheerfully looking forward to going home. Turiddu urges Lola to stay, but she wants to go home, as she has not yet seen her husband. Turiddu tells her to stay, as Alfio will soon be there anyway. She agrees, and Turiddu leads everyone in a rousing drinking song and a toast to Lola (“Viva il vino spumeggiante”).

Alfio arrives, with a grim greeting to all. Turiddu welcomes him and offers him some wine, but Alfio declines, as it might turn into poison in his stomach. Turiddu pretends not to care; Lola, beside herself with fright, is led away by the village women. A tense standoff between Turiddu and Alfio ensues, during which Turiddu challenges Alfio by biting his ear.

Turiddu, suddenly remorseful, admits that he has done wrong, especially to Santuzza, who will be abandoned if he dies. Then, passionately, he swears he will plant his dagger in Alfio’s heart. Alfio coldly tells him that he will be waiting for him behind the orchard, and leaves.

Alone, Turiddu calls for his mother and tells her that the wine has made him giddy and that he is going out. But he first wants her blessing, just as when he went away into the army, and, if he does not return, he wants her to be a mother to Santuzza, whom he had promised to marry. Mamma Lucia, troubled, does not understand; Turiddu blames it on the wine and asks her to pray for him. Then he kisses her goodbye and rushes off. Mamma Lucia, thoroughly frightened, calls out to him. Santuzza enters and the two women embrace. In the distance, a woman cries out that Turiddu has been killed. The villagers rush in, crying, as Santuzza and Mamma Lucia fall senseless.

View Event →
Opera, Art Song, and the Harlem Renaissance - Opera On Tap Boston
Feb
24
12:00 PM12:00

Opera, Art Song, and the Harlem Renaissance - Opera On Tap Boston

Melina will be performing works by James Dargan, Undine Smith Moore and Florence Price.

Tickets:

Opera On Tap Boston - City Winery Tickets

Opera, Art Song, and the Harlem Renaissance - Opera On Tap Boston

Join us for brunch on February 24 at City Winery Boston for a celebration of Black excellence in classical music and opera. We will be exploring art song and opera born of and inspired by the vibrant Harlem Renaissance, while diving deep into the narratives of Black musicians, poets and composers. Take the “A” train to a brunch experience like no other, where the melodies of culture and creativity converge for a truly unforgettable experience.

Featuring:

Nina Evelyn Anderson, Soprano

Melina Jaharis, Mezzo

Fred C. VanNess, Jr. , Tenor

Keith Eric Brinkley, Baritone

Marcus Schenck, Bass-baritone

Doug Sumi, Pianist

View Event →
Premiere Opera Foundation Competition Semi Finalist
Dec
6
10:00 AM10:00

Premiere Opera Foundation Competition Semi Finalist

For this year’s 7th Annual Edition of Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition + Professional Casting Auditions, we will be having two competition tracks, just like in previous years! Everyone submits materials online for the Qualifying Round, and if advanced to the Semi-Finals, you can choose to compete in that round Virtually, Live in New York, or in both platforms.

We have had wonderful success stories each year, and last year we awarded our most significant to date, $35,000 worth in prizes and special awards! As a direct result of the last two years of competition we can confirm that numerous major international Professional Contracts and Role Debuts were offered including from Bayerisches Staatsoper, Staatsoper Stuttgart, Stadttheater Bern, Opera Nacional de Chile, Danish Royal Opera, Opera Philadelphia, New York City Opera, numerous winners signed with IMG Artists, and Premiere Artists, as well, there were acceptances to high level Young Artist studios including Opernhaus Zurich, Houston Grand Opera, Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera Merola and Adler Program, and a few awardees who then went on to be winners of Operalia, the MET Opera Competition and more!

This year we will have the same level of inimitable jury of International Casting Directors, Young Artists Program Directors, Agents, and Industry Influencers, to offer you an amazing opportunity not only to compete for cash prizes and special awards, but to be heard by the persons that can truly help to progress your career forward, and who are actively casting specific roles for future seasons around the world, as well as offering spots in major young artists programs, and adding artists to their management rosters.

This is the only New York based competition that is truly International in scale, provides a World-Class casting component, and has no age limit and no citizenship restrictions! Your career can absolutely be launched from our competition, and we can’t wait to hear you!

View Event →
Finalist - SAS Performing Arts Competition
Nov
4
2:00 PM14:00

Finalist - SAS Performing Arts Competition

Melina will be singing last on the program, around 4pm.

Finalists in the SAS Performing Arts Company’s 2023 Vocal Competition have been announced.

The fourth annual competition will see sopranos Anna Aistova, Lynnesha Crump, Carami Hilaire, Shelen Hughes, Clara Luz Iranzo, and Cong Conc Wang, mezzo-sopranos Annie Chester, Shanley Horvitz, Melina Jaharis, Anna Kelly, and JoAnna Vladyka, tenors Charles Calotta and Minghao Liu, and baritone Seung Chan Hong.  The collaborative pianist for the finals will be Mary Pinto.

Since its first competition in 2020, SAS has awarded over $20,000 to emerging artists to assist them in their career development. Past winners have gone on to various young artist programs and secured contracts with major companies across Europe and the United States including The Metropolitan Opera, Tulsa Opera, Florida Grand Opera, The English National Opera, and Stattsoper Berlin.

The National Opera Center hosts the finals on Nov. 4.

View Event →
La Gran Vestale (cover) - Teatro Grattacielo
Oct
28
6:30 PM18:30

La Gran Vestale (cover) - Teatro Grattacielo

Melina covers La Gran Vestale in Teatro Grattacielo’s production of La Vestale by Spontini

LA VESTALE holds a special place in the history of opera, as it was the opera that Maria Callas performed on Teatro Alla Scala’s opening night in 1954. To honor her legacy and contributions to the world of music, we are bringing back the historic 1954 version of this opera, directed by the celebrated Italian film director, Luchino Visconti.

At Teatro Grattacielo, we believe in pushing boundaries and creating unique artistic experiences. In that spirit, we have decided to combine the world of opera with visual arts, making this production of LA VESTALE an immersive and unforgettable event. We have partnered with exceptionally talented visual artist Lydia Venieri who will create stunning tableaux that complement the opera’s themes and elevate the overall artistic experience.

On Saturday, October 28th, 2023, we invite you to join us at the Gerald Lynch Theater on West 59th street in New York to witness the grandeur of La Vestale. This rare and captivating opera, paired with mesmerizing visual arts, promises an unforgettable evening that honors Maria Callas’ legacy and showcases the power of artistic collaboration.

View Event →
Amneris (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Aug
5
1:00 PM13:00

Amneris (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Amneris in Verdi’s Aida.

Aida is a story of heartbreak and betrayal. Set in the midst of a war between Egypt and Ethiopia, this moving and timelessly tragic love story centers on the ill-fated and forbidden romance of Aida and Radamès. Featuring Utah Festival’s amazing orchestra and opera singers, Aida is masterpiece you don’t want to miss.

View Event →
Mrs. Soames (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Aug
3
7:30 PM19:30

Mrs. Soames (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Mrs. Soames in Ned Rorem’s Our Town.

The citizens of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, live their regular lives with grace. Children are born, soda shops are frequented, weddings are celebrated and funerals are faithfully attended. Yet, in all this regularity there exists the extraordinary…if one can only recognize it.

Our Town is a beautiful opera based on the play by Thornton Wilder and will be performed in the historic Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan’s Arts District.

 

View Event →
Ortrud (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Aug
3
1:00 PM13:00

Ortrud (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Ortrud in Wagner’s Lohengrin.

A shining knight arrives on a swan to rescue a damsel in distress, who must promise never to ask for his true identity. After being rescued, she breaks her promise and the knight departs – never to be seen again. This is Utah Festival’s first presentation of Wagner’s classic opera, Lohengrin. It’s going to be glorious!

View Event →
Amneris (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Jul
29
7:30 PM19:30

Amneris (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Amneris in Verdi’s Aida.

Aida is a story of heartbreak and betrayal. Set in the midst of a war between Egypt and Ethiopia, this moving and timelessly tragic love story centers on the ill-fated and forbidden romance of Aida and Radamès. Featuring Utah Festival’s amazing orchestra and opera singers, Aida is masterpiece you don’t want to miss.

View Event →
Ortrud (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Jul
28
1:00 PM13:00

Ortrud (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Ortrud in Wagner’s Lohengrin.

A shining knight arrives on a swan to rescue a damsel in distress, who must promise never to ask for his true identity. After being rescued, she breaks her promise and the knight departs – never to be seen again. This is Utah Festival’s first presentation of Wagner’s classic opera, Lohengrin. It’s going to be glorious!

View Event →
Mrs. Soames (cover) - Utah Festival Opera
Jul
27
1:00 PM13:00

Mrs. Soames (cover) - Utah Festival Opera

Melina covers Mrs. Soames in Ned Rorem’s Our Town.

The citizens of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, live their regular lives with grace. Children are born, soda shops are frequented, weddings are celebrated and funerals are faithfully attended. Yet, in all this regularity there exists the extraordinary…if one can only recognize it.

Our Town is a beautiful opera based on the play by Thornton Wilder and will be performed in the historic Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan’s Arts District.

 

View Event →