You don’t need to speak the language to feel the music. The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center invites the community to experience that connection at World Opera Day: Beyond Borders at 2 p.m. today in the third-floor Woodbox Theater, 1201 Pine Ave., made possible by Opera Volunteers International.
Featuring live performances followed by a dessert reception, the celebration welcomes everyone — from those who have never attended an opera to those who already have a favorite aria. The afternoon explores how music can tell stories, express emotion, and bring people together across languages and borders.
The program offers a musical journey through love, longing, humor, and wonder. Selections range from Mozart’s heartfelt melodies and Verdi’s soaring vocal fireworks to a Spanish-language love song by Miguel Sandoval and the playful storytelling of Gilbert and Sullivan. Audiences will also hear the beloved Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakmé and music by Glinka, Vivaldi, Massenet, Menotti, Ravel, and Offenbach. Together, these works offer a welcoming introduction to the variety of opera and vocal music.
Leading the celebration is artistic director and soprano Karen D’Angelo, whose performances span Western New York and international stages in Italy. D’Angelo has helped bring opera to life at the NACC through programs including Opera on the Steps, Operatizers, Opera-tini, Art & Arias, and Sweets & Songs.
She is joined by sopranos Amy Teal and Rachel Magil and mezzo-soprano Mariami Bekauri, with Ivan Docenko on piano and Jennifer Pauly on violin. The singers bring experience with organizations including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Opera Unlimited, and Finger Lakes Opera, as well as performances in Italy and the Netherlands. Their work as performers, educators, and mentors reflects a shared commitment to bringing live music to more people.
At its heart, Beyond Borders is an invitation to discover something new and enjoy an afternoon together. Come for the music, stay for dessert, and celebrate the connections that the arts make possible.
Tickets are $25 and include the performance and dessert reception. Purchase tickets at www.thenacc.org. Please note: a limit of 65 tickets will be sold for this performance.