The Academy of Vocal Arts Springs into 2020 with “BrAVA Philadelphia!” this March

By: burgundy bug

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Banner for the AVA’s production of BrAVA Philadelphia!
Photo courtesy of the Academy of Vocal Arts

Source: The Academy of Vocal Arts

Continuing the celebration of their astounding 85th season, the Academy of Vocal Arts will present “BrAVA Philadelphia!” at The Met Philadelphia on March 28, 2020.

“This is the first time in over 80 years that opera will be performed at Philadelphia’s Metropolitan Opera House”

The Academy of Vocal Arts

Throughout the 20th century, the now-beautifully restored Met Philadelphia had featured performances by legendary opera stars, including: Enrico Caruso, Rosa Ponselle, and conductor Arturo Toscanini, according to an AVA press release.

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View from the stage of The Met Philadelphia
Photo courtesy of the Academy of Vocal Arts

Source: The Academy of Vocal Arts

“AVA is thrilled to be hosting our 85^th Anniversary concert at such a historic Philadelphia institution,” said Rick Pitcairn, Chairman of the AVA Board Directors. “The re-opening of The Met has been massive for the arts community of Philadelphia, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect place to have our gala and concert this year. We are grateful for all who helped make this a reality.”

The AVA presents “BrAVA Philadelphia!” every five years in celebration of both the AVA and the opera community that has flourished in Philadelphia over the last eight decades.

“AVA honors Philadelphia and individuals who have helped shape the city’s arts and cultural community.”

The Academy of Vocal Arts

Tickets to “BrAVA Philadelphia!” are now available online and can be purchased on The Met Philadelphia’s website.

BrAVA Philadelphia! Performers

In addition to the AVA’s current Resident Artists, “BrAVA Philadelphia!” will include the likes of:

AVA Alumni Sopranos

• Angela Meade
• Latonia Moore

AVA Alumni Tenors

• Taylor Stayton
• Bryan Hymel

AVA Rising Opera Stars

• Soprano: Vanessa Vasquez
• Tenor: Jesus Garcia
• Mezzo-soprano: Hannah Ludwig
• Bass-baritone: André Courville
• Baritone: Jared Bybee

There will also be a full orchestra conducted by AVA’s Jeannine B. Cowles Music Director Chair Maestro Christofer Macatsoris, a maestro who has been the AVA music director since 1977.

Honorees

“AVA will be honoring three individuals who have been fundamental in saving Philadelphia’s Metropolitan Opera House: Pastor Mark E. Hatcher of the Holy Ghost Headquarters, Geoff Gordon of Live Nation, and Eric Blumenfeld of EB Realty Management Corporation,” the press release adds. “This triumvirate came together to rehabilitate the building and restore it to its former glory, with Pastor Hatcher initiating the project in the 1990s. In the spirit of BrAVA, AVA has selected these three Philadelphia trailblazers to honor this year for their tireless work in restoring The Met Philadelphia.”

More From the AVA

Can’t wait to see “BrAVA Philadelphia!” this spring? Neither can we! In the meantime, you can enjoy our review of “The Marriage of Figaro,” a production by the AVA that ran from Nov. 9 through Nov. 24, 2019.

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Head on over to The Met Philadelphia to purchase your tickets to “BrAVA Philadelphia.”
You can also keep up with the latest AVA productions on their website!

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