Double Opera Delight: Two Captivating Productions This Saturday on WHRO!

Opera enthusiasts, get ready for a thrilling double feature this Saturday, September 14, on WHRO's WFMT Opera Series! This time, we'll present not one, but two operatic gems: William Grant Still's "Highway 1, USA," and Alexander Zemlinsky's "The Dwarf."

The broadcast kicks off with the historic LA premiere of "Highway 1, USA," by the pioneering William Grant Still, often referred to as "the Dean of African-American Composers." This poignant opera stars Norman Garrett and Nicole Heaston as a dedicated Black couple striving for a better life, only to realize their sacrifices may have been in vain. Chaz'men Williams-Ali plays the troublesome brother who wastes every opportunity given to him. Under the baton of James Conlon, this new production is directed by the visionary Kaneza Schaal with production design by Christopher Meyers, the team that brought the acclaimed 2022 production of "Omar" to life.

Following "Highway 1, USA," we remain in the LA Opera for a journey into the dark, twisted world of love and vanity in Zemlinsky's "The Dwarf." Based on Oscar Wilde's tale, this gothic story unfolds in a lavish Spanish court where a one-sided love affair leads to tragic consequences. Tenor Rodrick Dixon takes on the title role, with Erica Petrocelli as Donna Clara and Kristinn Sigmundsson as Don Estoban. James Conlon returns to conduct Zemlinsky's lush, romantic score, while Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak helms this opulent production, featuring costumes designed by fellow Tony winner Linda Cho.

In just over three decades, LA Opera has emerged as one of America's most dynamic and ambitious opera companies, renowned for its imaginative productions, world premiere commissions, and innovative presentations of classic works that honor the art form's rich history while infusing it with new vitality.

Tune in this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on WHRO 90.3, or online, for an operatic experience you won’t want to miss!