“I’ll Be The Phantom of the Opera,” Says Retiring Michigan Opera Theatre Founder David DiChiera
DiChiera talks ‘Little Women’ and developing young talent.
The Michigan Opera Theatre brings its programming to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Twp. this weekend with a performance of “Little Women.”
It features up-and-coming opera singers who are part of the theatre’s Studio Residency Program.
Hear ‘Have Peace Jo’ from Little Women.
— Performed by Angela Theis (soprano), who plays Beth in the Michigan Opera Theatre’s ‘Little Women.’ Accompaniment by Tessa Hartle.
The program is part of Michigan Opera Theatre Founder and Artistic Director David DiChiera’s mission to support the next generation of opera performers.
DiChiera is retiring from that position at the end of this season. He joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson along with Director of Resident Artist Programs Richard Leech to talk about Little Women, DiChiera’s career and legacy, and the Opera Theatre’s efforts to cultivate new talent.
“I’ll be the phantom of the opera,” DiChiera jokes, implying that he won’t be a stranger at the Opera House, even in retirement. He says it has long been a priority of his to cultivate new talent.
“The whole future of Opera is based on talent and the nurturing of young singers,” says DiChiera.
Hear ‘Kennst du das Land’ from Little Women
— Performed by Brant Michael Smith (bass), who plays Friedrich Bhaer in ‘Little Women.’ Accompaniment by Tessa Hartle.
Click on the audio player at the top of the page to hear the full conversation with David DiChiera and Richard Leech on Detroit Today.
