Description
From intimate artist curated recitals to cabaret performances, the OperaDelaware Studio Series puts you up-close-and-personal with unbelievable talent and world-class storytellers.
January’s Studio Series features one of opera’s most sought after couples, soprano Michelle Johnson and baritone Brian Major.
A message from Michelle Johnson, soprano: Brian and I are collaborating on the final selections of the joint recital and I’m looking forward to the ease of our harmonies, the knowing without a word, and the electric sensation that comes when seeing your partner shine doing what they love.
MICHELLE JOHNSON, SOPRANO
Soprano Michelle Johnson, a Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions where she was described as “a clear audience favorite” (New York Times), has been lavished with praise for her “extraordinary breath control and flawless articulation… Her voice is velvety and pliant – a dulcet dream.” In the 2022-2023 season, she sings the title role of Tosca with Opera on the James, makes her Nashville Opera debut as Mimi in La bohème, debuts the role of Serena in Porgy and Bess with North Carolina Opera and Opera Carolina, reprises the title role of Aida with Opera Grand Rapids, makes a role debut as Turandot with Opera Southwest and she also joins Opera in the Heights for their 25 th Anniversary Concert. In the 2023-2024 season, Ms. Johnson will sing Tosca with Madison Opera, returns to Chicago Opera Theater in Shostakovich’s The Nose and debuts with Florentine Opera singing Mimi in La bohème.
BRIAN MAJOR, BARITONE
Charismatic baritone Brian Major continues to be praised by critics for his “velvety voice’ and “commanding stage presence.” During the 2022-2023 season, Mr. Major made his role debut as Ford in Verdi’s Falstaff with Maryland Lyric Opera, covered the role of Scarpia in the Santa Fe Opera’s production of Tosca, and joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera where he made his house debut as Baron Douphol in La traviata and cover Benny “Kid” Paret in Champion. Additionally, he joined Cincinnati Opera as the cover of Castor in the world premiere of Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith’s Castor and Patience. In the upcoming 2023-2024 season, he returns to the Metropolitan Opera to cover the title role of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, sings Marcello in La bohème with Florentine Opera, and makes his concert debut with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.