HOPERA Opens 2024-2025 Season with Two Free Performances September 20 and 24

Beer Hall performances of Boleros and Arias for Hispanic Heritage Month

HOPERA, Houston’s new opera company that made its ‘beer hall’ debut earlier this year, will open it 2024-2025 Season Friday, Sept. 20 with a special salute to National Hispanic Heritage Month – for free!

Once again bringing an innovative twist to the area’s classical music scene by fusing craft beverages and opera, HOPERA is presenting “Boleros and Arias” Friday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 24 in the most unique settings. The 7 p.m. performances are at Eureka Heights Brew Company for the debut and then, the following week, at St. Arnold Brewing Company

These special “Pint-Sized” performances of Boleros & Arias: HOPERA en español, will include passionate hit tunes by María Grever, Consuelo Velázquez, Agustín Lara, and others, performed by Luisana Rivas, mezzo-soprano, and Fernando Grimaldo, bass-baritone. The music will highlight the golden age of Mexican film, Zarzuela and tango.

There is no admission charge for the performance.

Pint-Sized Performances are part of HOPERA’s overall season and feature smaller integrated productions. Future Pint-Sized plans in the works include a night of Opera Karaoke, a Jazz: America’s Classical Music and a Valentine’s Day series. Specific dates are in the works as well.

Two, full-scale HOPERA productions are planned for the 2024-25 season, beginning with As One, Nov 18 and Nov. 20.

As One is a contemporary chamber opera for two voices and string quartet created and composed by Laura Kaminsky with a libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed. This poignant work explores the experiences of a transgender individual, with two singers sharing the role of the protagonist, Hannah, as she journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance.

The production is collaboration between HOPERA and the Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community center. This partnership aims to foster greater understanding and empathy within the community at large, highlighting stories that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. It will be performed both nights at the Center. Tickets, purchased online at www.hoperahtx.com.

Closing the season with humor and creativity, HOPERA will perform The Producer, a fresh and playful adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera Der Schauspieldirektor. This updated version reimagines the tale of rival sopranos vying for top billing, set against the backdrop of the competitive world of opera. HOPERA’s modern English production will also include surprise guest cast members, and perhaps a familiar tune or two. This production will also feature interactive elements, encouraging audience participation and breaking down traditional barriers between performers and viewers.

A date and place for this spring production will be announced later.

Houston’s new innovative opera company, HOPERA, brings a refreshing twist to the classical music scene with its mission to fuse craft beverages and craft music in perfect harmony. Founded in 2023 on the principles of empowering local artists and making opera more accessible, HOPERA curates quality, casual performances in the vibrant spaces like Eureka Heights where Houstonians love to gather. With a stellar lineup of talented musicians, led by founder Megan Berti and supported by a dedicated team of professional performers, HOPERA is not just a music experience; it’s a celebration of community and creativity, challenging outdated notions of classical music where every note and sip can tell a story of artistic innovation.

Photos courtesy of HOPERA