This Mother’s Day will have new meaning for OPERA CAROLINA leading lady Melinda Whittington. The Charlotte resident will celebrate her first Mother’s Day as a new mom and will be performing the role of Tatyana in front of family and friends in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. It’s fitting that this powerhouse soprano plays a large part in the final performance of Opera Carolina’s #SheSeries, and that she will be performing on the final day of this year’s series, Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.
Through out the 2018/19 season, Opera Carolina has focused on operas that feature strong female leads who make difficult choices, persevere and embody the definition of heroine. Modern day new moms, like Whittington, who balance work, life, and a constant lack of sleep qualify as heroines to us!
– Melinda Whittington
I have a music-loving, active, alert, hilarious 3½ -month-old son named Isaac. I did a lot of gigs while he was in my tummy, and I can definitely tell he finds opera soothing. I think most babies would be frightened by the sheer volume and power of the operatic voice, especially live, in the same room, but he has always loved it. When he was really little, and very upset, I would actually sing ‘with my opera voice’ to calm him down.
What’s the 411 on Eugene Onegin?
Beautiful, educated and forthright Tatyana is rejected when she declares her love for Eugene, a rich playboy. Soon after, he kills his best friend in a duel.
Years later, Eugene returns from self-imposed exile to discover Tatyana married to a prince. He realizes – too late – his love for her. In choosing fidelity to her husband, Tatyana denies herself true love – but preserves her honor. Eugene Onegin showcases another strong female and concludes Opera Carolina’s 2018/19 season titled the #SheSeries.
Eugene Onegin has three performances; Thursday, May 9th at 7pm, Saturday, May 11th at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 12th (Mother’s Day) at 2pm. All shows are performed at The Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
Purchase tickets for the final performances of Opera Carolina’s 2018/19 season here !
1600 Elizabeth Ave
Charlotte, NC 28204 704.332.7177
