Enjoy! We are delighted to have so many live performances again!

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WHEN: Friday, September 27, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Rochester Oratorio Society and Arts Connexions presents “Freedom Song.”

The ROS Resonanz Ensemble and special guests reprise “Freedom Song: When Gospel Came to the Empire,” by Harvey Brough and Justin Butcher, in a special recording session before a live studio audience, in the new Sklarsky Black Box Theater at RIT. The story relates the historic first tour of the Fisk University Singers through the US, to England and the Continent, forever changing musical and cultural history. Tickets are free of charge by reservation only.

 

WHERE: Sklarsky Glass Box Theater at RIT 1 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623

HOW: Free, but online registration required.

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WHEN: Friday, September 27, 2024, 7:30 PM; Sunday, September 29, 2024, 2:30 PM

WHAT: Buffalo Opera Unlimited presents Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. 

The Marriage of Figaro (sung by Buffalo Opera Unlimited in Italian with English translations projected above the stage) recounts a single day of madness – Figaro’s wedding day. The curtain rises on Figaro and bride-to-be Susanna, preparing the new room that their master the Count has given them. Susanna reveals that the only reason for the Count’s generous gift is to keep her nearby, since he plans to cause last-minute mischief on her wedding day.

 

Figaro is furious, vowing to outsmart the Count. Together with Susanna, the abandoned Countess, and the page boy Cherubino (who adores all women, especially the Countess), they devise an ingenious plan to trap him. Expect disguises, mistaken identities, and a lot of hiding in and under things.

WHERE: Buffalo State Performing Arts Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY

HOW: Order Tickets online 

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WHEN: October 4-25, 2024

WHAT: Canadian Opera Company presents Verdi’s Nabucco. 

The opera that launched Verdi's career, Nabucco is a sweeping saga featuring some of the most passionate music ever written. Never before performed at the COC, this is opera at its most spectacular: a rousing epic of the search for hope amid brutal cruelty and oppression, with a cast of over 120 performers.

 

Baritone Roland Wood stars as the tyrant Nabucco, alongside soprano Tamara Wilson as Abigaille, would-be Queen of Babylon, in this timeless tale of intrigue, ambition, and redemption.

 

Featuring Roland Wood as Nabucco; Tamara Wilson as Abigaille; Rihab Chaieb as Fenena; Matthew Cairns as Ismaele; Simon Lim as Zaccaria. 

Conductor: Paolo Carignani; directed by Katherine M. Carter.

 

WHERE: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

HOW: Order online via the COC website. https://www.coc.ca/tickets/calendar 

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WHEN: Sunday, October 6, 2024, 3:00 PM

WHAT: The Amherst Chamber Ensemble presents “Birds of A Feather,” featuring Amie Vredenburg, violin. From Rossini's La Gazza Ladra or The Thieving Magpie, to Respighi's 5-movement suite aptly titled Gli Uccelli or The Birds, which attempts to transcribe birdsong into musical notation, including that of the dove, hen, nightingale, cuckoo. 

Vaughan William's second wife writes that in The Lark Ascending, the composer has made the violin become both the bird song and its flight. 

We are delighted to present BIRDS OF A FEATHER with our guest violin soloist Amie Vredenburg on Sunday October 6, 2024 at 3pm, and look forward to seeing you all there.

 

WHERE: Trinity United Methodist Church, 711 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY

HOW: All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are always gratefully accepted.

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WHEN: Friday, October 11, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Rainbow Connections.” Celebrate National Coming Out Day with The BGMC, featuring musical guests from the Greater Buffalo community.

WHERE: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209

HOW: Free, RSVP online at the BGMC Website 

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WHEN: October 11-November 2, 2024

WHAT: The Canadian Opera Company presents Gounod’s Faust.

Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the aging philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences. 

 

Tenor Long Long is the scholar Faust, whose pact with Méphistophélès (bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen) promises to return him to the innocence of youth—and the love of Marguerite. Murder and madness ensue, with demons, witches, and a chorus of celestial voices rounding out this lavish spectacle directed by Amy Lane.

 

Featuring Long Long as Faust; Kyle Ketelsen as Méphistophélès; Guanqun Yu, Ariane Cossette (November 2) as Marguerite; Szymon Mechlinski as Valentin; Alex Hetherington as Siebel; Megan Latham as Marthe.

Conductor: Johannes Debus; Director: Amy Lane

WHERE: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

 

HOW: Order online via the COC website. https://www.coc.ca/tickets/calendar 

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WHEN: October 18-27, 2024; Pre-curtain lecture October 20, 2024, 1:30 PM

WHAT: Opera-Lytes presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore. 

Featuring Ted Smeltz as Sir Joseph Porter, KCB;  Michael Warner as Captain Corcoran; Ralph Rackstraw as Christopher Castleman; Ken Schlimgen as Dick Deadeye; Andy Gonlag as Bill Bobstay, Boatswain's Mate; Debbie Smith as Josephine Corcoran; Mariangela Mercurio as Hebe; and Mariami Bekauri as Little Buttercup (Mrs. Cripps).

 

Don’t miss the Free October 20 pre-curtain lecture, "What Makes HMS Pinafore So Funny?" by Lisa Berglund, PhD!

 

WHERE: Amherst Community Church,  77 Washington Hwy, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Visit Opera-Lytes's Website for more information

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WHEN: Friday, October 18, 2024, 8:00 PM; Saturday, October 19, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Vocális Chamber Choir presents “HOPE SONGS.”

In the opening concert of our 23rd season, Vocális presents music that shines with hopefulness and optimism. Through text and music, we reflect on the goodness of the world, and remind ourselves that joy and beauty surround us. Please join us!

 

​WHERE: October 18 Venue: Hamburg United Methodist Church, 116 Union Street Hamburg, NY

October 19 Venue: 500 Seneca, 3rd Floor Atrium, 500 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Individual Concert Tickets: $20 Adult | $10 Student

Individual tickets are sold at the door one hour before the concert begins, or in advance at www.vocalischamberchoir.org 

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WHEN: October 24-27, 2024

WHAT: Opera Atelier presents Handel’s Acis and Galatea.

Handel’s Acis and Galatea is one of the composer’s most beloved and successful operas. It is a timeless pastoral opera that blends beautiful arias with a poignant narrative of love, jealousy, and transformation. Each act and aria contributes to the rich tapestry of emotions, making it a beloved masterpiece in the Baroque repertoire. 

Sung in English and featuring some of Handel’s most ravishing music for singing and dancing, Acis and Galatea is the perfect introduction to opera and ballet for the entire family.

 

Featuring Antonin Rondepierre, Meghan Lindsay, Blaise Rantoanina, Douglas Williams, and the artists of the Atelier Ballet.

 

WHERE: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

HOW: Order tickets online https://www.operaatelier.com/shows/acis-and-galatea/ 

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WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 3:00 PM

WHAT: The Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund for Opera, Inc., in celebration of Opera Week, presents Tormenta d’amore’s concert “A Night in Venice.” Take a journey drifting down the Grand Canal of Venice, passing the Teatro San Angelo, and hearing the music of native sons Claudio Monteverdi and Antonio Vivaldi, as well as Handel, Cavalli, and Sances, exploring the universal themes of love and betrayal.

 

Tormenta d’amore is a female baroque chamber ensemble founded by Ho Eui Holly Bewlay, soprano; Amy Cochrane, soprano; and Bonnie Choi, harpsichord, with featured guests Margaret Leenhouts & Koki Tanaka, violins, and Katie Weissman, cello. 

Tormenta d’amore enjoys discovering rarely performed gems as well as favorites from before the 1800s. It is their passion, and they are excited to share this with a wide range of audiences.

 

Funding made possible through Opera Volunteers International and the Opera Foundation of Buffalo.  

WHERE: Christ United Methodist Church, 350 Saratoga Road, Amherst, NY

HOW: By donation. For more information, visit www.ehifundopera.org 

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WHEN: Saturday October 26, 2024, 6:30 PM

WHAT: Sotto Voce presents their Fall Gala. 

Sotto Voce will once again host our annual gala fundraiser event at The UU Church of Buffalo - our base of operations. Familiar faces and some new ones too will come together to present a captivating evening of operatic scenes, food, a silent auction and the presentation of the “Sotto Voce Award for Lifetime Achievement & Service To The Arts” to local opera legend Frank Scinta. 

The program will feature previews of our upcoming season and beyond, and funds raised will be instrumental in making possible our March 2025 main stage event.

 

Featuring performances by Jessie Downs, soprano; Beth White, zwischen; Helen Lowry, mezzo-soprano; Tyler Huk, tenor; Ky Ver Hoef, baritone; Tim Flynn, bass; Jamie Gangemi, soprano; Erin Alexander, mezzo-soprano; and Jonathan Vogtle, pianist.

 

With works by… Puccini, Mahler, Donizetti, Debussy, Bizet, Bellini… and more!

WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, 695 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Order tickets online here 

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WHEN: Friday, November 1, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Rochester Oratorio Society presents “Timbuctoo to Today,” featuring the ROS Symphonic Choir and Orchestra, and SUNY Geneseo Festival Chorus. 

In the 1850s, land grants in the Adirondack community “Timbuctoo,” given by Abolitionist Gerrit Smith to free Blacks, conferred to them the right to vote in New York. Hear the compelling and beautiful choral suite from Glenn McClure’s new work, Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera, in its first performance, alongside American classics by Randall Thompson and Aaron Copland, just in time for Election Day. The SUNY Geneseo Festival Chorus joins ROS.

 

WHERE: Hochstein Performance Hall 50 N Plymouth Ave. Rochester, NY

HOW: Buy Tickets Online on https://rossings.org/allevents/timbuctoo-to-today/ 

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WHEN: November 1-3, 2024

WHAT: The Toronto Operetta Theater presents The Student Prince, by Sigmund Romberg.

Experience the timeless romance of The Student Prince, an operetta filled with lush melodies and enchanting characters. Follow Prince Karl Franz as he navigates love and duty in the picturesque town of Heidelberg. Don't miss the iconic "Drinking Song" and a tale that captures the heart. Join us for an unforgettable performance! 

 

WHERE: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St., Toronto, ON

HOW: Single Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 24th!

For more info and to order tickets online: https://www.torontooperetta.com/shows 

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WHEN: Thursday, November 14, 2024 7:30 PM; Friday, November 15, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Hillman Opera Company presents Mozart's razor-sharp comedy Così fan tutte in an enchanting production by director Paul Mockovak with lavish sets by Hyla Stellhorn and stunning Rococo costumes by Jessica Lustig. Emily Schaad will conduct the cast and orchestra composed entirely of SUNY Fredonia School of Music students. Featuring exquisite arias and ensemble, Mozart's deliciously scandalous opera is a can't-miss for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

WHERE: Marvel Theatre, Rockefeller Performing Arts Center, SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY.

HOW: Order tickets through the Campus Ticket Office via phone 716-673-3501, or Order Online Here

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WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, 8:00 PM; Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Vocális Chamber Choir presents “A Vocális Christmas.” 

A Vocális tradition continues! Join us as we ring in the holiday season in the glorious acoustics of Amherst Community Church and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Bring the whole family! Relax to the sweet sounds of an intimate choral Christmas.

 

WHERE: Dec. 6 Venue: Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Highway, Amherst, NY

Dec. 7 Venue: Karpeles Manuscript Museum, North St. and Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY

HOW: Individual Concert Tickets: $20 Adult | $10 Student

Individual tickets are sold at the door one hour before the concert begins, or in advance at www.vocalischamberchoir.org 

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WHEN: December 8, 2024 at 3:00 PM; December 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM; December 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM

WHAT: The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Make the Yuletide Gay.” Celebrate the Holiday Season with The BGMC at three great venues across WNY.

 

WHERE: 

Dec. 8 Venue: Orchard Park United Methodist Church, 3700 N Buffalo St, Orchard Park, NY

Dec. 14 Venue: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1080 Main St, Buffalo, NY

Dec. 15 Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2669 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY

HOW: Visit the BGMC Website for more info

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WHEN: Friday, February 28, 2025, 7:00 PM

WHAT: Opera-Lytes presents their 30th Anniversary Concert. 

Check the Opera-Lytes website or Facebook page later in the fall for information on how to join the chorus for our anniversary concert. There will be opportunities for principal singers and small ensembles. Rehearsals will begin in January with music director Paul Waara.

WHERE: Amherst Community Church,  77 Washington Hwy, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Ticket information will be available later in the fall.

Visit Opera-Lytes's Website   for more information

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WHEN: Friday, March 14, 2025, 7:30 PM

WHAT: The Rochester Oratorio Society presents “Misatango.” 

Martin Palmeri’s Misa a Buenos Aires is an immensely popular, worldwide sensation, blending traditional Latin mass texts with Tango music, bandoneon, and irresistible rhythms. With the beautifully serene and timely Psalm for the Living, by perhaps the greatest Black American composer, William Grant Still. Alicia Esmeralda Barry joins the ROS as mezzo-soprano soloist.

 

Cash donations, as well as donations of food, clothing, and personal items, will be accepted to benefit Action for A Better Community, in recognition of their 60th Season.

WHERE: Asbury First United Methodist Church 1040 East Avenue Rochester, NY

HOW: Order tickets online at https://rossings.org/allevents/misatango/ 

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WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7:30 PM;  Sunday, March 16, 2025, 4:00 PM 

WHAT: Vocális Chamber Choir presents “A Musical Feast!”

“Food is music for the body, music is food to the heart.” - Gregory David Roberts.

Sit down with us as we feast on humorous and heartfelt choral renditions that nourish us. From the ridiculous to the sublime, Vocalis invites you to indulge in savory sounds. Bring your appetite!

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WHERE: Mar. 15 Venue: Saint Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 139 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY

Mar. 16 Venue: University Presbyterian Church, 3330 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Individual Concert Tickets: $20 Adult | $10 Student

Individual tickets are sold at the door one hour before the concert begins, or in advance at www.vocalischamberchoir.org 

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WHEN: March 28, 2025, 7:00 PM; March 30, 2025, 5:00 PM

WHAT: Sotto Vice presents Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor. 

The story of a young woman coerced into an unhappy marriage by her ambitious brother. Driven to madness by betrayal and societal pressures, Lucia’s tragic fate unfolds through heart wrenching arias and dramatic scenes, culminating in an intense and legendary climax!

 

Featuring Jessie Downs as Lucia, Jax Hassler as Edgardo, Stephen Walley as Enrico, Tim Flynn as Raimondo, Beth White as Alisa

WHERE: Location TBA

HOW: Order Tickets Online Here  

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WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2025, 7:00 PM

WHAT: The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus presents “On the Town: Asbury Hall.” Come show your support for The BGMC and its talented members as they put on their own star-studded spectacular performance!

WHERE: Asbury Hall at Babeville 341 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 

 HOW: Visit the BGMC Website for more information

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WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, 7:30 PM

WHAT: Vocális Chamber Choir presents: CHORAL CONNECTIONS WEEKEND FEATURING NY POLYPHONY

Community Sing and Masterclass with NY Polyphony

Featuring: Geoffrey D. Williams, countertenor, Steven Caldicott Wilson, tenor, Andrew Fuchs, tenor, Craig Phillips bass-baritone

We welcome the GRAMMY-nominated members of NY Polyphony, as they present a masterclass on refining and polishing the choral sound. With world-class artistry, the group will lead Vocális and the community in an evening highlighting the discipline and skills necessary for great ensemble singing. Bring your voice, or just sit and listen. Join us! 

 

WHERE: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Free admission

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WHEN: May 17, 2025, 7:30 PM; May 18, 2025, 3:00 PM

WHAT: The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Louder Than Words.” Join us as we close our season with a collection of songs honoring the community we build through love and acceptance.

WHERE: May 17 Venue: Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY

May 18 Venue: University Presbyterian Church,  3330 Main St, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Visit the BGMC Website for more information

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WHEN: Sunday, May 18, 2025, 4:00 PM

WHAT: Choral Connections Season Finale Concert. “When Music Sounds” In Collaboration with NY Polyphony

Vocális closes our 23rd season by amplifying the art of choral singing with NY Polyphony. Come and be inspired by their extraordinary singing, as they join Vocális in a unique collaboration. Working together, the audience will be enveloped in sound and spirit. Not to be missed!

WHERE: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

HOW: Individual Concert Tickets: $20 Adult | $10 Student

Individual tickets are sold at the door one hour before the concert begins, or in advance at www.vocalischamberchoir.org 

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WHEN: View the complete Met schedule online.

WHAT: Metropolitan Opera 2024-2025 Season

HOW: View Link Here 

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