Fresh off the heels of celebrating 50 years, Opera Grand Rapids continues to elevate the vocal arts with its community-supported professional opera productions, creating opportunities for local talent to work alongside star-studded international artists. Productions of Mozart’s final masterpiece The Magic Flute and Verdi’s La Traviata join other outstanding performances and programs to create yet another stunning season of opera in West Michigan.
REVIEWS
Revue Arts Magazine
The Magic Flute is beautiful, modern, magical
by John Kissane
October 27, 2019
“So consistently enjoyable were the comic performances that it may have been possible not to notice the skill expended on them.”
Near North Now
A Night At The Opera
by John Gessler
October 25, 2019
“First of all, if you’re an opera fan or just opera curious, this production is a can’t miss. Seriously, to miss this show would be tantamount to missing the stars at night, the majesty of the mountains, or the oceans crashing on the shore. Yes, your life will go on, but it will be richer and fuller for the experience.”
Broadway World Detroit
The Magic Flute at Opera Grand Rapids makes for a magical journey!
by Brian Hilbrand
October 31, 2018
“The main leads were backed by the chorus members of Opera Grand Rapids, and were backed instrumentally by Grand Rapids Symphony and sang completely without microphones. Everyone and everything blended so well together to make a fulfilling and entertaining show.”
PRESS
Grand Rapids Magazine
Gr|Mag’s Top Weekend Picks
October 22, 2018
“If the fall air has you thinking about cozying up indoors this weekend, don’t… instead attend The Magic Flute from Opera Grand Rapids.”
Opera Grand Rapids Talks Note-Worthy Season
By Megan Sarnacki
October 19, 2018
“At 51 years old, Opera Grand Rapids is ‘committed to making the community better, to reaching as many people in the community as possible, and being a welcoming organization for everyone across the spectrum,’ James Meena, artistic director and conductor of Opera Grand Rapids, said.”
Experience Grand Rapids
A Local Singer Takes Center Stage at Opera Grand Rapids
by Holly Becheri
October 25, 2018
“Madelaine Lane explains that the themes and struggles within opera stories dating back hundreds of years are still the same struggles we have today. ‘[Opera storylines] are about humanity, and they prove that the struggles we have as humans are universal,’ says Lane.’We’re able to reflect a little better on our struggles thanks to the stories told in famous operas’”.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Lunch and Learn: Costume Design
“Patti has spent the last 20 years traveling the United States designing and building costumes for all genres of stage and theatre, she is currently working on the Opera’s production of The Magic Flute’”.
INTERVIEWS
WGVU Public Radio
The Shelly Irwin Morning Show
By Shelly Irwin
October 23, 2018
Opera Grand Rapids opens its season this weekend with Mozart’s revered opera, The Magic Flute. Artistic Director James Meena, Stage Manager James Marvel, and Actress Cheyanne Coss join us to discuss.
Fox News
Opera Grand Rapids begins a new season
By Bob Brenzing
September 25, 2018
Interim Executive Director, Win Irwin, discusses Opera Grand Rapids 2018-2019 Season Opening Party and its first main-stage opera performance, The Magic Flute.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Public Radio
Interview with Win Irwin
By Bonnie Bierma
September 12, 2018
Interim Director Win Irwin discusses Opera Grand Rapids 2018-2019 Season and the company’s place in West Michigan performing art space.
