Atlanta forms mini opera ensemble

Atlanta Opera has corraled a dozen international opera singers living in the city into Atlanta Opera Company Players.

The aim, says artistic director Tomer Zvulun, is to rebuild the art from roots up. ‘Saying that these recent months have been devastating to the performing arts world is an understatement. It’s time for The Atlanta Opera to step up and create a program based in our community, that’s all about belonging and giving back. Some of the best international talent in opera lives down the street from The Atlanta Opera, and these artists want to stay home, perform here safely and connect with their community. We have been dreaming of creating a European-style ‘fest model,’ and now the time is right. There are far more world-class artists based in Atlanta and the southeast than these magnificent twelve, and we only wish we could have included them all. Together we plan to present a season full of fantastic collaborations, a sense of community pride and the potential for artistic fireworks.’

The ensemble members are: sopranos Jasmine Habersham and Talise Trevigne; mezzos Jamie Barton (pic), Daniela Mack and Megan Marino; tenors Alek Shrader and Richard Trey Smagur; baritones Michael Mayes and Reginald Smith Jr.; bass-baritone Ryan McKinny; and basses Kevin Burdette and Morris Robinson.