Great Performances at the Met opens its new season with The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and the show features a local connection. Appearing as the character "Sportin' Life" is Norfolk native Frederick Ballentine who attended the Governors School for the Arts. Ballentine is a recent graduate of Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, and the Los Angeles Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program.

Angel Blue as Bess and Frederick Ballentine as Sportin' Life in the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess."Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera Earlier this year, WHRO FM's Wayla Chambo spoke with Ballentine about his upcoming role. 
Listen to the interview.

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess airs Friday, July 17 at 9 p.m. on WHRO TV 15.

Watch more from Great Performances in our online archive.


About the Production: 

This classic American folk opera brings 1920s Charleston to life with a beloved score from George Gershwin in a new production directed by James Robinson. Eric Owens and Angel Blue star in the title roles and David Robertson conducts.