Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Presents "A Night at the Opera"

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra is set to present a rare live opera experience on Sunday, March 20th at 3pm at The Music Hall in beautiful, downtown Portsmouth. Celebrating local singing talent on both professional and up-and-coming student levels, the afternoon’s repertoire aims to fulfill a demand left in the wake of the lack of live operatic programming that exists in the area – invigorating concertgoers that are experienced with the genre, while drawing in and inspiring a new generation of soon-to-be fans as well.

“The local population is starved of any kind of live opera experience,” cited PSO Music Director John Page. “It’s clear to me that there’s a hunger for it due in part to the MET Series (live opera broadcast from the Lincoln Center) at the Music Hall which is frequently packed. It’s that or traveling to Boston… There simply exists no platform for this type of performance around here.”

The program will consist of selections from “Carmen,” “Peter Grimes,” “Magic Flute,” “Candide,” “La Boheme,” and more. Along with local professional singers, the performance will also showcase the PSO Opera Competition winners, which is a direct reflection of the PSO’s continued mission of providing support and education to the area’s young musicians and singers.

“Both the professionals, and the young up-and-coming voices need a platform,” voiced Page. “They need the experience and the exposure. Our PSO Opera Competition winners left me in awe. Lauren Kaiser was one of the winners. She has an absolutely phenomenal voice. She’s already got a place at the Royal College of Music in London to pursue a Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance. She’s on the way. And then there’s Christina DeMaio… She came out of the blue for me. Absolutely incredible. We’re so happy with the quality of voices that exist around here, but there has been no place for them to showcase their talents. We’re about the change that. This is a true celebration of local talent. Opera singers backed by the orchestra. It’s going to be special.”

About the PSO: Founded in 1997, The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra is comprised of over 65 local professionals, educators, dedicated amateurs, and advanced students, with the mission of contributing high quality symphonic music to the Seacoast community.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.portsmouthsymphony.org, The Music Hall Box Office, or call 603-436-2400.