Thursday, July 15, 2010

OITP Preview: Barbara Shirvis

Last but not least in our "Preview" series is Barbara Shirvis, an "authentic blonde beauty" (Opera News) and powerhouse soprano. Ms. Shirvis will be performing excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro, Rusalka, Phantom of the Opera, and A Little Night Music at Opera in the Park, and we couldn't be more excited to have her with us in Madison.

In addition to her performance with Madison Opera this summer, Ms. Shrivis will sing the title role in Tosca in concert performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, opposite her husband and fellow OITP guest artist Stephen Powell as Scarpia. Throughout her career, Mozart has been her calling card, with triumphs around the country as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte in particular. But Ms. Shirvis's range of repertoire is wide, having conquered everything from Verdi to Ricky Ian Gordon. A frequent concert artist and recitalist, she has partnered with Powell for programs spanning the American songbook, and the Opera in the Park audience will be treated to her rendition of "Do, Re, Mi" come Saturday.

Click here to listen to a sample of Barbara Shirvis singing "Come Scoglio" from Cosi fan Tutte.

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