Media Contact:
Jon Finck, jonfincksf@gmail.com / +1 415 577 1323
SAN FRANCISCO (March 11, 2021) — Opera Parallèle today announced it will postpone upcoming spring presentations of La Belle et la Bête, a cinematic fusion of opera and film by Philip Glass set to Jean Cocteau’s screenplay, scheduled for May 20 – 22 at the Castro Theatre, and the West Coast premiere of Sophia’s Forest, a chamber opera by Lembit Beecher and librettist Hannah Moscovitch, previously announced for June 17 – 20 at Grace Cathedral.
Both programs have been delayed until a future season due to current state and local health guidelines regarding COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on allowing live, indoor performances.
“It is with deep regret that we are forced to announce the postponement of La Belle de la Bête and Sophia’s Forest,” said Opera Parallèle General and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement. “Despite our intentions to present a spring season, it remains unclear when we will be able to return to live, indoor performances. Opera Parallèle’s commitment to the health and safety of our artists, crew and audience remains the most important. We are determined to reschedule these works in the near future.”
In contrast to the restrictions on live, indoor performances, the Company will present fresh digital content with its new “Close-Up” online recital series featuring Opera Parallèle veteran artists in four intimate programs celebrating springtime themes. Presented free of charge, each 30-minute virtual program will be posted on the Company’s Facebook and YouTube platforms with links provided the day of performance, and will remain online for approximately one month.
“I’m truly delighted we can offer this new virtual recital series, a quartet of programs curated by the artists” said Paiement. “The Company is dedicated to providing work for its local artists and to give musical opportunities for our community to gather and encounter an intimate experience with them.”
The “Close-Up” series begins Thursday, March 25 at 5 p.m. PT with “Celebrating the Spring Equinox,” featuring soprano Shawnette Sulker and pianist Zachary Gordin; Thursday, April 22 at 5 p.m. PT with “Celebrating Earth Day,” presenting jazz soprano Tiffany Austin and double bassist Marcus Shelby; Thursday, May 6 at 5 p.m. PT with “Celebrating Mother’s Day,” showcasing mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich and pianist Jeffrey LaDeur; and concluding Thursday, June 17 at 5 p.m. PT with “Celebrating Father’s Day,” featuring bass-baritone Kenneth Kellogg and Kevin Korth, pianist.
For more information about Opera Parallèle, visit operaparallèle.org.
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Please note new press contact:
Jon Finck, jonfincksf@gmail.com / +1 415 577 1323