Tristan und Isolde – Connecticut Lyric Opera

Connecticut Lyric Opera

4 hours ago

History Hits Home: Allyson Bennett Sings Abigail Adams"All my life I have lived surrounded by patriotic history. I grew up near Philadelphia, as a descendant of a Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution signer. It was an important value in my family to learn and experience our country's history. I then moved to Boston for my musical training, experiencing new bits of revolutionary history in each neighborhood I rented in, and have since lived on the South Shore. Having the opportunity to visit Peacefield, the Adams House, and so many other preserved historical sites in the Quincy/Weymouth area has been such a blessing. I've gotten to experience Abigail's life through her eyes, at her home, surrounded by her belongings. As an artist, connecting with my characters is an integral part of the process, but the opportunity to portray and connect with a real historical figure in such a way in a first-time and surreal experience for me. It is wonderful to see different sides of Abigail than what is most often portrayed in history books. Her words on freedom and equality for people of all races and sexes in her letters seem "before their time" yet ring true to this day. Inspiring isn't a big enough word to describe the feeling of hearing revolutionary women holding passion, ambition, and fighting for independence for all. Women in history have always expressed a desire for equality and have not stood aside as "just the wife of" as is so often portrayed. Abigail's and many others' words hold a fullness of humanity and the true American spirit of liberty and justice for all."Allyson Bennett is a classical vocalist with a passion for operatic & song repertoire. An artist advocating for performances highlighting LGBT+ stories and creating accessible creative spaces, she has worked with a variety of companies and ensembles performing romantic classics and new works alike. She most recently appeared as Grimgerde (Die Walküre) with the American Wagner Festival, Le spectre de Cassandre (Les Troyens) with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Mutter (Hänsel und Gretel) with Music On Site, Inc. Originating the role of Suzannah in the world premiere of Murder, Meth & Mayhem, Allyson sang with in the Providence Fringe Festival 2025. Recent awards include an Encouragement Award with the Wagner Society of New York Singers Competition and a winning prize from Opera Connecticut’s American Opera Idol Competition. She was named Boston District Winner by the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (2022, 2023, 2024). Allyson has performed notable roles such as Tosca (Tosca), First Lady (Die Zauberflöte), Eva (An American Dream), Madame Lidoine (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Mimì (La Bohème), Meg Page (Falstaff) and Valletto (L’incoronazione di Poppea). A fan of unique concert opportunities, she collaborated with circus artists of Circus 617 with Opera Untapped throughout Greater Boston communities in their concert series “Arias Aloft”. She premiered Flora Sun’s “難波津に (Naniwa-zu ni)”, performed Elena Firsova's The Birth of a Smile with trombone quartet and vibraphone, and solo-produced a benefit recital to fundraise for Breonna Taylor's family with Sparrow Live. ...

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Connecticut Lyric Opera

9 hours ago

Happy World Opera Day! ...

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Connecticut Lyric Opera

3 days ago

Artist Spotlight: Singing Her Family History | Anna ViemeisterMeet mezzo-soprano Anna Viemeister, who brings a unique personal connection to Connecticut Lyric Opera’s upcoming production of Abigail Adams. With roots connected to the Adams family, Anna brings a distinctive perspective to this production.Anna Viemeister is a dramatic and character mezzo-soprano living and performing in New York City. She is thrilled to debut with CLO in the role of Abigail Adams, not only for the incredible opportunity to be a part of recounting history in her favorite art form but also due to the familial relationship the Viemeisters have to the Adams family. Through her great-grandmother on her paternal side, the line follows the Adamses to the Whites, to the Emmons, and finally to the Viemeisters!Recent credits include Faust (Marthe) with Amore Opera, Suor Angelica (Principessa) with The Opera Collective NYC, Don Carlo (Eboli) with New York Opera Forum, Cavalleria Rusticana (Santuzza) with The Opera Collective NYC, Un Ballo (Ulrica) with New York Opera Forum, Walküre (Fricka) and Norma (Adalgisa) with New Jersey Opera Theatre, Rigoletto (Maddalena), and The Medium (Madam Flora) with Regina Opera Brooklyn.Alongside her performer’s journey, Anna has assisted in creating opportunities to make opera accessible to more and more demographics in the city as well as in rural areas in Oregon with The Opera Collective NYC and Dalles Performing Arts Society.A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Anna has been praised for delivering her warmth, engaging presence, musicianship and intensity of sound to countless audiences on the stages of New York City, the Pacific North West, Bulgaria and Germany. ...

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