WHRO-FM is thrilled to announce a special treat for opera lovers: a double dose of opera delights. This Saturday, June 29, prepare to enjoy more than four hours of music and discover the best young singers from around the world.
Our matinee will start at 1 pm travelling to the Utrecht Early Music Festival in the Netherlands. Tune in for Purcell’s “The Fairy Queen”, a gem of the English Baroque inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This composition stands as a beacon of Purcell’s unparalleled genius, offering a captivating journey through five acts of exquisite arias, including the evocative “O let me weep” and the spirited “Thrice happy lovers”.
Under the baton of William Christie, this rendition of “The Fairy Queen” will feature the renowned early music ensemble Les Arts Florissants, along with singers from Le Jardin des Voix, a prestigious academy dedicated to nurturing young talent. Hailing from diverse corners of the globe, they will breathe life into the enchanting tale with their exceptional performances.
After “The Fairy Queen”, WHRO-FM presents a special broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera: the Grand Finals Concert of the Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. Recorded in March 2024, this prestigious event features the top ten finalists, carefully selected from a pool of 1500 singers spanning eleven regions. Accompanied by the esteemed Met Orchestra under the baton of conductor Evan Rogister, each finalist will showcase their vocal prowess with two carefully chosen arias, promising an afternoon of captivating performances. Hosted by the acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, this broadcast offers music lovers everywhere a unique opportunity to witness the future of opera firsthand. There will also be a special guest performance by former competition winner (and Hampton Roads native!) Ryan Speedo Green.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary afternoon of music. Tune in, or stream online, on June 29, and experience the brilliance of tomorrow’s opera stars.
