Opera Grand Rapids presents genre-bending tango opera this October

[quote]Production Photos Credit Syracuse Opera by Doug Wonders[/quote]

Opera Grand Rapids is delighted to present genre-bending tango opera,María de Buenos Aires to audiences this October.

Seductive, haunting and intoxicating, the 80-minute opera is a surreal spiritual journey set to the beat of Argentine tango. Pulse and poetry play an equal role in which the melody is transformed into a series of mesmerizing moments that are rich in metaphor.

The most performed Spanish language opera in the world, María de Buenos Aires is regarded by many as an unconventional masterpiece that has acquired cult-like status. With poetry by Horacio Ferrer and music from composer and pioneer of nuevo tango, Ástor Piazzolla, audiences watch
the heroine embody tango and the city itself in dream-like fashion.

Maria de Buenos Aires Opera Grand Rapids – (Photo credit Syracuse Opera by Ashley Organ)

The story centers around María who is rumored to be born in the slums of Buenos Aires on a day when God was drunk. As a young woman, she is seduced by tango and a city moving to the pulse of an intoxicating rhythm. She comes to embody the sensual dance at the loss of her mortality and is condemned to haunt the streets of Buenos Aires forever.

Opera Grand Rapids’ production features Colombian-born Catalina Cuervo, known as “the fiery soprano,” in the star role. Holding the distinction of having performed the most productions of the opera, Ms. Cuervo has performed the role for numerous prestigious companies including Florida Grand Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Syracuse Opera to name a few.

Argentinian born conductor Jorge Parodi and Mexican born director Octavio Cardenas will lead a group of tango dancers and the small ensemble, including famous “master of the bandoneon” Daniel Binelli, one of only a handful of bandoneon players in the world.

Opera Grand Rapids’ production will be presented in a newly renovated Betty Van Andel Opera Center, located on East Fulton Street, set to resemble a milonga, or a place where tango is danced. Valet parking will be available to patrons for the performances.

Tickets for Opera Grand Rapids’ 2016-17 season are available through the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, (616) 451-2741 or 1320 East Fulton Street. For additional details, including cast lists and production synopses, visit operagr.org.