NOW That’s What I Call Opera

NOW That’s What I Call Opera

Inspired by the NOW That’s What I Call Music! albums, this concert brings together some of the most celebrated music ever written for the operatic stage. Featuring beloved works by Puccini, Verdi, Mozart, and more, the program includes soaring arias, powerful ensembles, and iconic selections such as “Nessun dorma” from Turandot, “Vissi d’arte” from Tosca, and “Der Hölle Rache” (Queen of the Night aria) from The Magic Flute. From moments of intimate lyricism to thrilling dramatic intensity, NOW That’s What I Call Opera offers an evening of timeless music showcasing the beauty, virtuosity, and power of opera.

Join us for an evening of opera’s most beloved arias, duets, and ensemble numbers!

NOW! That’s What I Call Opera will feature highlights from opera’s greatest hits, showcasing longstanding Connecticut Lyric Opera performers Jūratė Švedaitė, soprano; Steven Fredericks, bass; and Daniel Juárez, tenor, alongside emerging young artists for an evening of operatic grandeur. The young artists include emerging professionals, many of whom have studied with Jūratė Švedaitė and her colleagues, reflecting the generational connections fostered through the arts and Connecticut Lyric Opera’s longstanding commitment to cultivating talent. Audiences will hear selections from Tosca, La Bohème, Carmen, Così fan tutte, La Traviata, Don Giovanni, and more.

This performance marks the first under Connecticut Lyric Opera’s new leadership, with Anastasia Rege serving as Artistic Director and Kelly Whitesell serving as General Director.

Jūratė Švedaitė, soprano

Possesssing a vocal artistry and stage presence capable of “transfixing audiences with moments of opera magic,” Lithuanian soprano, Jūratė Švedaitė, has performed throughout Europe and the United States with the Lithuanian National Chamber Orchestra, the European Baroque Festival Opera, continued

Kelly Whitesell, soprano

Kelly Whitesell is a Connecticut soprano whose artistry spans the operatic stage, the classroom, and the director’s chair — always, it seems, with a puppet nearby.

A versatile singing performer, Kelly brings fearless range to everything she touches. Recent highlights include her Italian debut as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with the Orchestra da Camera di Greve in continued

Steven Fredericks, bass 

Bass Steven Fredericks represents the complete package of an artistically satisfying performer. Hailed for his “robust” singing with “great emotional depth” he has made his mark with some of opera’s most celebrated roles. Fredericks’ impressive repertory spans all styles and represents his versatility as a continued

Daniel Juárez, tenor

Tenor Daniel Juárez is a familiar and admired presence on opera stages throughout New England, having performed with Opera Theater of Connecticut, Connecticut Lyric Opera, The Connecticut Virtuosi, Opera Connecticut, MassOpera, Coffe Milk Opera, and Modern Vintage Opera. He is also a continued

Anastasia Rege, soprano

Anastasia Rege is a soprano, music director, and educator.

As a soloist, she has performed in the North American premiere of Oleksandr Shchetynsky’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, the world premiere of Hoguera de Silencios in Milan, and a modern continued

ABOUT CONNECTICUT LYRIC OPERA:

Now in our 22nd Season, Connecticut Lyric Opera (CLO) is the only full-season professional opera company in CT. From the standards such as La Boheme, La Traviata, Carmen and Le Nozze di Figaro, to lesser performed but no less wonderful operas like Otello, Eugene Onegin, Amistad, and Maria de Buenos Aires, CLO creates “moments of opera magic” with every new production.

Since the company’s founding in 2004, Connecticut Lyric has brought such operatic productions across Connecticut— to New London, New Britain, Waterbury, Middletown, and Hartford. Check out CTLyricOpera.org to join our opera family!