MA Opera performance graduate Chanáe Curtis makes her debut at New York’s prestigious Metropolitan Opera Met this Monday in its highly anticipated production of Porgy and Bess.
Chanáe plays Annie, while covering the role of Lily, in the production, directed by James Robinson and conducted by David Robertson.
I am so happy for @chanaecurtis debut tonight at @MetOpera . I worked with her during her studies at @RWCMD and seeing her on the stage of that iconic theatre and working with that great opera company fills me with hope and joy . In bocca al lupo Chanae! Cofion Gorau! Toi toi toi https://t.co/lwtVY44ffG
— Carlo Rizzi (@CarloRizziMusic) September 23, 2019
“I am very excited to be making my debut at The Metropolitan Opera.
Sharing the stage with Eric Owens, Angel Blue, Denyce Graves and so many talented artists is a life-changing experience and one that I am sure to cherish for many years to come.
I wouldn’t be here without the help from so many teachers, coaches and mentors—many of which came from the wonderful people at RWCMD.
I am so grateful for all the support I received during my time in Cardiff and I am so proud to have been a part of the Welsh singing community. Diolch yn fawr!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FXemABBQA/
She joined the College’s MA Opera course after studying at the Manhattan School of Music, graduating in 2016.
Here she is talking about her time at RWCMD, and the opportunities she could take advantage of:
Opera graduates Chanáe Chanae Curtis and Huw Evans sing Verdi’s Parigia O Cara from ‘La Traviata’ at the New York Gala
During her time at College, as well as winning awards including the Dame Shirley Bassey Vocal Scholarship, and the ‘Citta di Alcamo’ International Opera Singing Competition in Italy, she worked with Hodge International Chairs in Opera, John Fisher, Maestro Carlo Rizzi, and Martin Constantine.
Carlo Rizzi is also one of the Presidents of the David Seligman Opera School, while John Fisher, previously head of music administration at The Met, takes up his new post as Artistic Director of The Opera School this term.
Chanáe also performed with the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Sir Mark Elder in a live broadcast for BBC Radio 3.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByGU3LLh4ix/
As part of 2017 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World she worked with Sir David Pountney, then Chief Executive of Welsh National Opera, and one of the UK’s most renowned directors, in a televised Don Giovanni Masterclass. The Cardiff Singer Song Prize is held in the College’s Dora Stoutzker Hall.
As a student she performed for HRH Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace (see main image) and this March she returned to work with fellow students and graduates to celebrate Catherine Zeta-Jones Fellowship at the College’s Gala evening.
Chanáe with Catherine Zeta-Jones and fellow students & graduates at New York’s Rainbow Rooms.
Since leaving College Chanáe has been busy fulfilling her dream to perform in wonderful international houses.
In advance of her Met debut she sang in the Olivier award-winning production of Porgy and Bess at London Coliseum.
Her London recital debut was at St Martin in the Fields, and she has worked with Glyndebourne International Festival and the Dutch National Opera.
Chanae performing in the College’s production of ‘Albert Herring’. Photo: Kirsten McTernan
Last season she made her WNO debut as Anna Gomez in The Consul.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqNCKvB2zm/
Chanae in the College’s production of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ Photo: Robert Workman
Find out more about the MA Opera Performance Course, and the David Seligman Opera School here.
Find out more about Chanáe on her website, www.chanaecurtis.com
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