AVA Anna Bolena 2023 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 11/7/2023 — The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Gaetano Donizetti’s timeless bel canto opera masterpiece, Anna Bolena, set to captivate audiences starting November 11, 2023, and running through November 28th. This highly anticipated opera will feature the exceptional talents of AVA’s Resident Artists, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Anna Bolena is a riveting tale of power, love, and betrayal that portrays the downfall of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England, set against the backdrop and intrigue of Tudor England. With its exquisite music and compelling storyline, the production promises to transport audiences to a bygone era while showcasing the exceptional vocal abilities of AVA’s Resident Artists.
Under the artistic guidance of director Christopher Mattaliano (AVA debut) and conductor Steven White (AVA debut), this production of Anna Bolena represents a culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation by AVA’s talented performers. The Resident Artists have dedicated themselves to perfecting their roles, ensuring a performance that will leave audiences both moved and entranced.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
- November 11, 14, 16, and 18, 2023, at 7:30 PM – AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- November 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM – Young Professionals Night, an evening at the opera geared towards young professionals under the age of 45 featuring a champagne reception with the cast after the performance. (This performance is generously sponsored by Charlotte Watts.) – AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- November 28, 2023, at 7:30 PM – The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall, 450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041
- November 29, 2023, at 10:30 AM – Opera Outreach, an educational matinée performance geared towards school children in the Delaware Valley – The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall, 450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041
“This institution (AVA) has really put some major singers out into the profession,” said director Christopher Mattaliano, “and that’s why, coming here to make my debut directing Anna Bolena, I knew I would be working with an extraordinarily high level of singers.”
“To do what we do here as artists is privilege that cannot be quantified, and to do it here at AVA, I’m loving every second of it,” added conductor Steven White, also making his AVA conducting debut with Anna Bolena.
The Academy of Vocal Arts is renowned for its commitment to nurturing and developing exceptional opera talent. With a legacy spanning nearly 90 years, AVA has produced some of the finest opera singers in the world, many of whom have gone on to grace the stages of renowned opera houses worldwide.
For media inquiries, interviews, or press passes, please contact Andrew Rohe at 215-735-1685 or arohe@avaopera.org.
CAST HIGHTLIGHTS – LEADING LADIES:
Lydia Grindatto, soprano – 3rd Year Resident Artist
Anna Bolena (Anne Boleyn) –Lydia Grindatto’s operatic journey began with the influence of her mother, a passionate opera lover, who helped nurture an appreciation for opera. Initially finding her voice in the choir as a child, Lydia’s true musical calling emerged in high school. Despite aspirations of becoming an educator, the stage’s allure proved irresistible. A pivotal moment came in college when Lydia secured a role in Die Fledermaus, igniting a passion that defined her career. Opera’s multidisciplinary demands—vocals, acting, set design, orchestration, choreography—became her expressive canvas. Lydia is an alumna of the University of New Mexico (BM).
Recently, she has appeared as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Violetta in La traviata, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin (Academy of Vocal Arts), and Second Sprite in Rusalka (Santa Fe Opera).
Quote: “It’s empowering to portray the story of a queen whose legacy and influence has persisted through the centuries.”
Monique Galvão, mezzo-soprano – 4th Year Resident Artist
Giovanna Seymour (Jane Seymour) –Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monique has called various parts of the world home, including France and the United States. Her musical journey began at age 12 with the guitar, but it was singing that truly captured her heart. Initially drawn to pop, Monique resisted the push towards opera from a vocal coach. She briefly pursued fashion design at art school but soon realized her true passion lay in music. An audition for a film on the life of an opera singer led to a recommendation from the head of the vocal department, rekindling Monique’s love for opera and setting her on her current path. Monique is an alumna of Florida International University (BA) and Miami Dade College (AA).
Recently, she has performed the title role in Carmen (Miami Music Festival) and La Tragédie de Carmen (Chautauqua Opera), as well as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni and Flora in La Traviata (Academy of Vocal Arts).
Quote: “The music in Anna Bolena is so beautiful that it has become one of my favorite operas, rivaling even my personal favorite, Carmen.”
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS (AVA):
The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is dedicated to being the global leader in nurturing emerging artists into accomplished international opera soloists. AVA cultivates artists poised for exceptional careers, while also enhancing the cultural landscape of Philadelphia and beyond. Singers of extraordinary talent converge worldwide to access the unparalleled guidance and training that AVA bestows, with admission determined through rigorous annual auditions.
AVA distinguishes itself through a longstanding legacy of delivering performances of the highest caliber, lauded by critics on local, national, and international stages. Each year, our Resident Artists grace the stage in fully produced operas, complete with orchestral accompaniment. These artists assume leading roles that often define their careers, showcasing AVA’s pivotal role in shaping the future of opera.
More information is available at avaopera.org.
Media Contact:
Andrew Rohe
Marketing & PR Manager
Telephone: 215-735-1685
Email: arohe@avaopera.org