AIDA rehearsals are underway

Rehearsals have fired up for this month's production of Aida, and we're all very excited about the show. The principals, led by Kristin Lewis and Roy Cornelius Smith, are world-class, and the chorus provides that extra voltage to make this show really sizzle musically and dramatically.

I snapped a very poor, low-resolution photo at rehearsal (left) of Maestro Joe Mechavich, pianist Craig Kier, and our fearless director Bill Florescu from Florentine Opera.

We can't wait to translate what we're doing to the Wright Center--our first opera there should be a big one (especially with a 4-ton elephant walking across the stage!).

Daniel Seigel
Chorusmaster

On Sale, all shows!

Finally, Opera Birmingham's 2009-2010 Season is on sale! You can subscribe to the whole season, or just purchase single tickets online at www.operabirmingham.org.

This year promises to be a great year, with a lot going on. The Wright Center plays host to Aida and The Marriage of Figaro, and Brock Hall provides an intimate space for Veronica Chapman-Smith (last seen in Turandot) and tenor Zach Borichevsky in a duo recital titled From Broadway to La Boheme...plus a concert of Christmas favorites with soprano Kallen Esperian, featuring guest artists Adam Diegel and Joseph Hopkins.

You can view the cast lists, hear clips from the operas, and find out more about the Opera's season on the website.

Haven't explored the Opera Website yet?
There's a lot of information, including info about the Met Live in HD series, Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition, and even a Frequently Asked Question section if coming to the opera is raising a few questions in your head.