Resident artists to take on leading roles for Pittsburgh Opera
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The coronavirus pandemic has been particularly hard on performing artists, wiping out gigs for thousands of singers, actors, dancers and musicians.
There is one group of singers who will benefit however — this year’s resident artists for the Pittsburgh Opera.
Often relegated to supporting roles, the 2020-21 resident artists will have the opportunity to step to the front of the stage, given the company’s covid-19-related programming changes.
“It will be impractical, because of covid, to have a revolving door of guest artists from all over the world flying to Pittsburgh to sing in our 2020-21 productions,” said Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn. “Our resident artists have always played significant roles on stage for us. We are excited that this season they get to take it to the next level.”
Pittsburgh Opera’s resident artist program is extremely competitive, with more than 500 applicants from around the world vying for just a handful of openings. After completing advanced education such as graduate degrees, resident artists work with the opera world’s leaders and innovators, including master classes with opera legends. They study languages, diction, movement and acting, while honing their vocal skills and expanding their repertoire.
The program has fostered the careers of many singers that now perform at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Notable alumni include Marianne Cornetti, Audrey Luna and Rolando Villazon.
“Typically our resident artists will have complementary to mid-size roles the majority of the time in the shows at the Benedum,” said Pittsburgh Opera marketing and communications director Chris Cox. “This season they will potentially be the stars of everything.”
On Friday, the company’s roster of resident artists was announced for the 2020-21 season.
The list includes mezzo-soprano Maire Carmack, soprano Madeline Ehlinger, soprano Veronique Filloux, bass Jeremy Harr, baritone Yazid Gray, tenor Angel Romano and stage director Kaley Karis Smith.