MEET THE CAST is mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton( Amneris), known for her“ rich dark sound, strong low register, and ringing high notes”( OperaWire); tenor Limmie Pulliam( Radamès), whose“ full-throated vocal power and intimate lyricism”( San Francisco Chronicle) captivate audiences; baritone Reginald Smith, Jr.( Amonasro), described by Opera News as possessing“ one of the most exciting baritone sounds to come along in years”; and bassbaritone Mark S. Doss( Ramfis), celebrated for his“ nuanced presentation” and“ impressive technical precision”( Opera Scene). Also returning to the BSO stage is the renowned Washington Chorus, led by Artistic Director Eugene Rogers.
In order to bring the drama of the original opera to the symphonic stage, the BSO has enlisted the expertise of stage director Alison Moritz, celebrated for her work as Artistic Director of Central City Opera( CCO), as well as guest director appearances at the Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Philadelphia, the Kennedy Center, Atlanta Opera, Austin Opera, Washington National Opera, and more. No stranger to Baltimore, Moritz served as the Interim Managing Artistic Director of Opera at the Peabody Institute during the 2021 – 22 season. Her deep understanding of operatic storytelling ensures that this production will captivate both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike.
ANGEL BLUE
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“ Tackling some of Verdi’ s most technically sophisticated passages with grace and ease, Angel [ Blue ]’ s voice perforated the hearts of her listeners and miraculously captured the tortured oscillations of Aida’ s existence perfectly.”
— OPERAWIRE
ANGEL BLUE AIDA
JAMIE BARTON AMNERIS
LIMMIE PULLIAM RADAMÈS
REGINALD SMITH, JR. AMONASRO
Don’ t miss your chance to witness the grand finale of the BSO’ s 2024 – 25 season. Tickets available at BSOmusic. org.
MARK S. DOSS RAMFIS
HONORING OPERA IN BALTIMORE
THE BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Is proud to contribute to the rich legacy of opera in Baltimore, a history that stretches back over two centuries. From the early 19th century, when traveling opera troupes brought the works of Mozart and Rossini to local audiences, to the founding of landmark institutions like the Lyric Opera House( the BSO ' s founding home from 1916 – 1982), Baltimore has long been a home for worldclass operatic performances.
For decades, organizations like the Baltimore Opera Company nurtured this vital tradition, welcoming legendary voices like Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, Rosa Ponselle, and Leontyne Price. Over the years, the city’ s passion for opera has been kept alive through the efforts of world-class, local arts organizations like the Maryland Opera, Opera Baltimore, and more, as well as dedicated audiences, fostering a love for the art form that endures to this day.
By bringing Verdi’ s Aida to the stage, the BSO proudly builds on this foundation, an opportunity to both celebrate the genius of Verdi and further integrate opera into the fabric of Baltimore’ s cultural life. The Verdi Opera Initiative reaffirms the BSO’ s commitment to keeping opera alive and thriving in the city, ensuring that Baltimore’ s operatic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
Support Opera at the BSO Make a special gift to the BSO ' s Opera Giving Circle and receive insider access to opera happenings plus the benefits of BSO Membership all season-long.
MAY-JUN 2025 | OVERTURE | 7