During the month of March, women all over the world are recognized and celebrated for their achievements and talents, including those at the Center for the Arts. From an all-female, Asian-led creative team's reimagination of a classic opera to the oldest American modern dance ensemble led by an icon who revolutionized the form, spring at the Center features an inspirational line-up of women.
On March 16 and 17, Virginia Opera concludes its 2023/2024 season with one of opera’s most beloved works, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Set in imperial Japan, the opera follows a young Japanese maiden after she is abandoned by a reckless American naval officer, addressing the subjects of tradition and honor. For this production, Virginia Opera has assembled an extraordinary all-female, all-Asian creative team to breathe new life into this classic piece. Leading the creative charge is Mo Zhou, an internationally renowned stage director, artistic activist, and educator hailing from China. According to the New York Times: Chinese Edition, "Mo Zhou represents the next generation of opera artists combining impeccable schooling with already extensive professional experience, knowledge, and passion for the art of opera."
Additional artists on the creative team include Ruoxuan Li, an acclaimed costume designer based in L.A.; Marie Yokoyama, a New York City-based lighting and set designer; and Hiroshima-born movement/cultural consultant Asuka Morinaga Derfler, a New York City-based actor and former member of Haiyuza Theater Company of Tokyo.
In addition to the incredible creative team, soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho will make her Virginia Opera debut as the production’s lead, Cio-Cio-San. As the same role in Boston Lyric Opera’s 2023 production of Madama Butterfly, Chia-ling Ho’s performance was noted as “star-making” (Schmopera) and “an appealing blend of pathos and playfulness” (Boston Classical Review). For a promo of the marvelous production that awaits, watch the video below:
Next, on April 13 is the return of Martha Graham Dance Company with a special program of iconic classics and new works. Called “one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe” (Washington Post), Martha Graham Dance Company begins and concludes with pieces by Martha Graham, including Steps in the Street danced by Mason Dance Company and Maple Leaf Rag, Graham’s 180th (and last) choreographic work, created at the age of 96. Martha Graham has been recognized as an artistic icon of the 20th century, named as TIME magazine’s “Dancer of the Century” and as one of People magazine’s “Icons of the Century.” As a choreographer, Graham has created 181 ballets and a dance technique that has revolutionized dance worldwide.
Virtuoso pianist Hélène Grimaud joins one of Germany’s premier orchestras, the Bamberg Symphony, in its debut at the Center on April 27. A recent review by the Toronto Guardian states, “Grimaud is a capital-M Musician, one who, by connecting with the music, connects the audience to the music as well.” Not simply a multi-award-winning musician with a rich history in musical achievement, Grimaud is also an avid supporter of wildlife conservatism and human rights activism. One of her greatest accomplishments outside of music was the creation of her Wolf Conservation Center in New York which has become one of the three largest holding and natural reintroduction facilities for the Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf, both of which were extinct in the United States at one point. Watch the DW Classical special below that features Grimaud’s musical and activist achievements, as well as a preview of her skills on the piano:
Interested in more performances to celebrate Women’s History Month? Visit the Center’s sister venue, the Hylton Center, for even more events for all ages! Witness a genre-defying musical collaboration between Eimear McGeown (Irish flute and whistle) and Celine Byrne (soprano) in Camerata Ireland or commemorate Celtic culture with Irish fiddle phenomenon Eileen Ivers. For a weekday pick-me-up, visit the Hylton Center’s Matinee Idylls series with Alma Ensemble, a trio that prioritizes female-centric chamber music, giving insight into the lives of often-overlooked female composers and musicians.
Virginia Opera’s Madama Butterfly, as well as Martha Graham Dance Company, are sponsored by Woodleigh Chase and Bamberg Symphony with Hélène Grimaud is sponsored by The Mather.