Digital Delights
Following the success of its debut season, HGO Digital, the Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Series, is back for 2021-22 with a fantastic roster of recitals and operatic works to complement the company’s mainstage offerings. Here’s what to expect during the exciting season ahead:
Fall 2021
HGO Studio Showcase
Always a highlight, this annual event, filmed this season with a limited audience present, highlights the diverse talents of our HGO Studio artists as they perform staged, costumed vignettes from a variety of operatic works. Release, Nov.12; streams through Dec. 12. Free.
Winter 2021
Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers
Originally commissioned by HGO and based on Terrence McNally’s original script Some Christmas Letters, this chamber opera from composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer made its world premiere in Houston in 2008. Experience the work again in this new digital production, created in conjunction with Opera San José and starring Susan Graham. Release, Dec. 10; streams through Jan. 9. Paid.
Winter 2022
Concert of Arias
At the 34th Annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers Concert of Arias, the talented artists selected to compete during this popular event will vie for a spot training with the prestigious HGO Studio. Live, Jan. 21; streams through Feb. 20. Free.
Winter 2022
Live from The Cullen: Lauren Snouffer
The internationally renowned soprano celebrates love and the natural world through works by Debussy, Berg, Schubert, and contemporary composer Will Liverman. Release, Feb. 11; streams through Mar. 13. Free.
The Giving Voice (2020)
Spring 2022
Giving Voice
HGO’s third annual Giving Voice concert will celebrate diverse artists in opera. Live, Mar. 19; streams through Apr. 18. Free.
Spring 2022
Live from The Cullen: Michelle Bradley
The fast-rising soprano sings Mahler’s five-song Rückert-Lieder, Barber’s ten-song Hermit Songs, Op. 29, and a selection of spirituals. Release, Apr. 8; streams through May 8. Free.
Spring 2022
Live from The Cullen: Federico de Michelis
The renowned Argentinian bass-baritone Federico de Michelis shares tango and chamber songs from his home country alongside jazz standards. He also plays guitar, with Emiliano Messiez on piano. Release, May 13; streams through Jun. 12. Free.
Suite Espanola (2021)
Summer 2022
Suite Española II
Building on the critical and audience response for spring 2021’s Suite Española: Explorando Iberia, created by and starring the incomparable Ana María Martínez, this follow-up program celebrates the musical traditions of Spanish-speaking cultures in Central and South America. Release, Jun. 10, streams through Jul. 10. Paid.
The second season of HGO Digital will feature all free performances with two exceptions, Three Decembers and Suite Española II, which will require payment before viewing. Performances will be available for streaming for 30 days after their release. Check HGODigital.org for details on how to enjoy these performances.
About the author
Catherine Matusow
Catherine Matusow is Associate Director of Communications at Houston Grand Opera.