Opera Cares
We recognize that our seniors are our treasures, and we care about them and their gifts. The Opera Cares program provides performances to the area’s senior centers — the home-away-from-home for many, including those who can no longer make trips to concert venues and stages. A wide variety of programming is offered to entertain and inspire seniors and bring them into our community of those who love music and opera. Maryland Opera offers free or reduced fees for opera outreach performances for senior citizens.
Programming requests are received starting in early September. Program performances begin in mid-October and continue through the end of May. To schedule your program, please contact James Harp at 410-591-2853, jharp@marylandopera.org.
Opera Cares Programs
“I Will Lift Mine Eyes” (new)
A celebration of sacred music over the centuries from many religions and traditions. Two singers and a pianist offer a moving program of music guaranteed to inspire and uplift. Performances can take place in an auditorium or sacred space, and our keyboard player can also accompany the singers on the organ.
Sweethearts —
The Golden Age of Operetta
Featuring the music of Romberg, Herbert, Lehar, and Kern, from works such as “Maytime,” “The Student Prince,” Naughty Marietta,” “The Desert Song,” and a special tribute to perennial favorites Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.
“This Land Was Made
for You and Me”
A celebration of America as the great melting pot featuring patriotic and regional songs highlighting our common culture and aspirations for peace and unity. Audiences will be stirred by such songs as “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle,” “Shenandoah,” “New York, New York,” “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor,” and “Let There be Peace on Earth.”
A Grand Night for Singing
A collection of songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein from five of their most famous musicals: Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, King & I and The Sound of Music. Audience members will not only hear the favorites, but learn interesting facts about the composers and the shows while they are transported back to the golden age of musical theater.
Made in America —
The American Songbook
An exploration of the American Songbook featuring composers such as Johnny Mercer, Heusen & Cahn, Duke Ellington, Gershwin, Lerner & Loewe, and many others. We will sing all the classic hits of cabaret, jazz, Broadway and Hollywood while learning about the composers and singers that made them famous.
The Fabulous Fifties
The era of cool cats and rock’n’roll will be celebrated by two singers and a pianist whose dancing and vocalism will take you on a trip down memory lane.
"Anything Goes" —
The Music of Cole Porter
A delightful romp through the music and lyrics of one of America’s best-loved composers. The skills of this saucy and irrepressible music man are on display in this delightful program. Two performers with acting, singing and dancing skills, accompanied by a jazz pianist, will have your feet tapping.
Highlights from
Opera & Broadway
A singer and pianist present highlights of opera and Broadway, featuring Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart, Gershwin, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, as well as selections from the golden age of operetta. Two different programs are available; try both programs during the year in this “favorites” format.
Marian Anderson
A collection of songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein from five of their most famous musicals: Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, King & I and The Sound of Music. Audience members will not only hear the favorites, but learn interesting facts about the composers and the shows while they are transported back to the golden age of musical theater.
Holiday Spirit
A singer and pianist present holiday favorites appropriate for December and Christmas celebrations. The cheerful and bright tradition of secular music can be augmented with music from the Christmas tradition. A vibrant sing-a-long concludes this delightful program.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
Opera à la carte
Would your organization enjoy a program of live vocal music and entertainment? Is your history class studying a particular era or region? Are you introducing your English students to poetry? Would you enjoy a program featuring the music of Puccini and La bohème? Would your audience love a program of Rodgers & Hammerstein favorites? Our singers and musicians have expertise in a wide variety of musical periods and styles and would be happy to create a custom program to meet your needs.
Opera in the Curriculum
Opera in the Curriculum gives teachers an opportunity to enhance classroom learning by bringing students to full, live productions of grand opera after studying the content or context of the piece in class. Teachers of history, English, fine arts, music and foreign language have taken advantage of this opportunity to make opera vital and relevant in a school’s core curriculum.
Master Classes
Maryland Opera’s expert staff is available to conduct master classes with your choir or vocal students.
"Perspectives" Lectures
To enhance your enjoyment of the opera, respected operaphiles provide insight into the opera’s musical significance, composition, and historical context. This lecture series is presented free of charge to anyone holding a ticket to the performance.