Opera Connecticut returns to Hill-Stead with its cadre of talented sopranos, tenors, mezzos, and basses, for an evening of favorite selections from operas old and new.
Opera Connecticut believes in enriching our community by offering high quality, affordable live opera performances while providing opportunities for emerging local artists.
The performance will take place on the West Lawn. Please bring chairs or blanket, and a picnic.
About the Performers
Zhanna Alkhazova
Dramatic soprano Zhanna Alkhazova has a commanding voice, described as “effortless, with an exquisite ease,” distinctive sound, and captivating stage charisma.
Recent engagements include the roles of ELIZABETTA in Don Carlos and DONNA ELVIRA in Don Giovanni, title role of TOSCA, the title role of TURANDOT and the title role of AIDA.
Her international performances both in concert and on operatic stages have taken her to Italy, Ireland, Russia, and Canada, showcasing her versatility and artistry.
Awards and recognitions include top prizes in the NJ Verismo Opera Competition and the London International Music Competition, as well as an Encouragement Award from the Wagner Society of New York. She was a semi-finalist in The Montserrat Caballé International Singing Competition and the Elizabeth Connell International Competition for Dramatic Sopranos.
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Ms. Alkhazova grew up in the New England area where she completed her studies, graduating with a Master of Music Degree from Boston University. Ms. Alkhazova resides in CT with her husband and daughter.
Thomas Cannon
Thomas Cannon, with his unique voice, exquisite musicianship, and sensitive artistic expression has been recognized for his “strong and striking” stage presence.
His opera roles include Germont in La Traviata, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, the Colonel in The Falling and the Rising, Escamillo (Carmen), Enrico (Lucia di Lammermoor), Albert (Werther), and the title role of Gianni Schicchi. Thomas reprised the title role of Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess at Greensboro Opera to great acclaim after his heartfelt and moving Porgy made “time stand still” at Fort Worth Opera.
Mr. Cannon’s oratorio repertoire includes Verdi’s Requiem, Delius’ Eine Messe des Lebens, Motzart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, Shubert’s Stabat Mater (D. 383), Haydn’s Die Schöphfung (The Creation), Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Mr. Cannon is a graduate of Baylor University, The Juilliard School, and has earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Oklahoma University. Garnered awards include those from The Dallas Opera Guild, Chautauqua Opera, The Anna Sosenko Foundation, West Palm Beach Opera, Opera Birmingham, and The Metropolitan Opera National Council.
Thomas grew up in the small town of Hahnville, Louisiana. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice at The Hartt School of The University of Hartford.
Doris Lang Kosloff
Doris Lang Kosloff, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Queens College (The Aaron Copland School of Music) of the City University of New York, and holds a Master of Music degree from the Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts, where she graduated first in her class.
Kosloff was appointed Artistic Director of OPERA CONNECTICUT (formerly Connecticut Concert Opera) in 2005. She created the highly acclaimed AMERICAN OPERA IDOL competition, exciting and inviting new audiences to opera in Connecticut. The Maestro serves as Principal Guest Conductor of Miami Lyric Opera.
Kosloff is the immediate past Director of The Vocal Studies Division of the Hartt School of the University of Hartford, and the Director of the Hartt Opera Theater. She previously served as the Artistic and Managing Director of Connecticut Opera and the Director of the Opera Studio at the Aaron Copland School of Music, C.U.N.Y.
Schedule
5:30 pm Gates open
6:00 pm Performance begins
Rain Date: No rain date, the performance will be moved inside to the Makeshift Theater in the event of rain. Chairs will be provided if the event is inside.
Tickets
Adult | $25 per person
Child | $10 per child
We strongly advise attendees to purchase tickets in advance. Any available tickets sold at the gate will be by credit card only. Tickets to benefit Opera CT and HSM.
See all upcoming From the Porch events in our Calendar.