We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating 90 years of AVA’s unparalleled contribution to the world of opera at BrAVA Philadelphia! 90th Anniversary Celebration and Gala! For nine decades, the Academy of Vocal Arts has been synonymous with exceptional operatic vocal training and artistic achievement. This landmark event will feature performances of opera’s greatest arias by an ensemble of distinguished AVA alumni, accompanied by the world-class AVA Opera Orchestra. Experience the artistry and passion that have defined AVA for 90 years in what promises to be the most extraordinary concert of the 90th Anniversary Season.

Step into the enchanting and witty world of Mozart’s timeless comedy, Così fan tutte, where love, fidelity, and temptation take center stage. This masterful opera, renowned for its brilliant music and captivating storyline, delves into the hearts and minds of two soon-to-be-wed couples as they navigate the challenges of trust and desire. The plot thickens when an experimental philosopher, with a mischievous glint in his eye, decides to meddle in the lives of these young lovers. Through a series of humorous and heart-wrenching twists, he orchestrates a test of fidelity that will push the couples to their limits. Will they remain steadfast and true to their vows, or will the lure of seduction prove too powerful to resist?

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF DESPINA.

Step into the enchanting and witty world of Mozart’s timeless comedy, Così fan tutte, where love, fidelity, and temptation take center stage. This masterful opera, renowned for its brilliant music and captivating storyline, delves into the hearts and minds of two soon-to-be-wed couples as they navigate the challenges of trust and desire. The plot thickens when an experimental philosopher, with a mischievous glint in his eye, decides to meddle in the lives of these young lovers. Through a series of humorous and heart-wrenching twists, he orchestrates a test of fidelity that will push the couples to their limits. Will they remain steadfast and true to their vows, or will the lure of seduction prove too powerful to resist?

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF DESPINA.

Looking for the perfect Season’s gift?

Look no further: celebrate the New Year in style! Give yourself and your loved ones the priceless gift of music. During the Festive season, it’s a cherished tradition to present classical music concerts that blend lively spirit with nostalgic warmth.

Join our special guest, internationally renowned bass-baritone Geo Chobanov, a celebrated Bulgarian opera singer, returning to Canada by popular demand. Alongside him is the abundantly talented Canadian soprano Alexa Frankian.

They will perform with the award-winning Kindred Spirits Orchestra under the inspiring leadership of maestro Kristian Alexander. Together, they bring to life a one-of- a-kind, world-class New Year’s Gala with stirring overtures, arias, and duets from beloved operatic masterpieces by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, Gounod, Tchaikovsky, and more.

Experience the magic of a season filled with love, hope, and new beginnings!

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, where passion, temptation, and fate collide in one of the most enduring and beloved operas of all time. This mesmerizing production brings to life the story of the aging philosopher, Faust, who makes a fateful pact with the devil to regain his youth and vitality. Transformed into a dashing young man, Faust’s newfound vigor leads him to fall deeply in love with the innocent and enchanting Marguerite. However, lurking in the shadows is the malevolent Mephistophélès, who has his own sinister plans for the star-crossed lovers. As Faust is drawn deeper into a web of desire and deceit, he must confront the ultimate question: what is the true price of his soul?

ALEXA WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE CHORUS.

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, where passion, temptation, and fate collide in one of the most enduring and beloved operas of all time. This mesmerizing production brings to life the story of the aging philosopher, Faust, who makes a fateful pact with the devil to regain his youth and vitality. Transformed into a dashing young man, Faust’s newfound vigor leads him to fall deeply in love with the innocent and enchanting Marguerite. However, lurking in the shadows is the malevolent Mephistophélès, who has his own sinister plans for the star-crossed lovers. As Faust is drawn deeper into a web of desire and deceit, he must confront the ultimate question: what is the true price of his soul?

ALEXA WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE CHORUS.

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, where passion, temptation, and fate collide in one of the most enduring and beloved operas of all time. This mesmerizing production brings to life the story of the aging philosopher, Faust, who makes a fateful pact with the devil to regain his youth and vitality. Transformed into a dashing young man, Faust’s newfound vigor leads him to fall deeply in love with the innocent and enchanting Marguerite. However, lurking in the shadows is the malevolent Mephistophélès, who has his own sinister plans for the star-crossed lovers. As Faust is drawn deeper into a web of desire and deceit, he must confront the ultimate question: what is the true price of his soul?

ALEXA WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE CHORUS.

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, where passion, temptation, and fate collide in one of the most enduring and beloved operas of all time. This mesmerizing production brings to life the story of the aging philosopher, Faust, who makes a fateful pact with the devil to regain his youth and vitality. Transformed into a dashing young man, Faust’s newfound vigor leads him to fall deeply in love with the innocent and enchanting Marguerite. However, lurking in the shadows is the malevolent Mephistophélès, who has his own sinister plans for the star-crossed lovers. As Faust is drawn deeper into a web of desire and deceit, he must confront the ultimate question: what is the true price of his soul?

ALEXA WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE CHORUS.

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, where passion, temptation, and fate collide in one of the most enduring and beloved operas of all time. This mesmerizing production brings to life the story of the aging philosopher, Faust, who makes a fateful pact with the devil to regain his youth and vitality. Transformed into a dashing young man, Faust’s newfound vigor leads him to fall deeply in love with the innocent and enchanting Marguerite. However, lurking in the shadows is the malevolent Mephistophélès, who has his own sinister plans for the star-crossed lovers. As Faust is drawn deeper into a web of desire and deceit, he must confront the ultimate question: what is the true price of his soul?

ALEXA WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE CHORUS.

Mark your calendars for this exclusive, one-night-only event, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rittenhouse Square’s The Church of the Holy Trinity. This year, AVA welcomes a remarkable class of 10 Resident Artists, each bringing their unique voice and passion for opera to the stage. Be the first to witness their debut performances as they captivate you with a selection of arias that showcase their incredible talent. This event is not just a concert; it’s an introduction to the future stars of the opera world.

A triumphant end to a transformative season, the Merola Grand Finale features all young artists of the summer program in a dazzling array of opera’s most brilliant works. Conducted by Maestro Steven White and directed by 2024 Merola Stage Director Anna Theodosakis, this festive evening showcases the extraordinary talent of the 2024 Merolini.

ALEXA WILL PERFORM A SCENE OF TCHAIKOVSKY’S IOLANTA AS IOLANTA.

An unrepentant rake comes up against a trio of determined women and one implacable statue. Mozart’s masterpiece brims with passion, humor, psychological insights, and ravishing melodies. Don’t miss the 2024 Merola artists putting their own stamp on an opera classic. Conductor Stefano Sarzani, Director Patricia Racette (Merola ‘88).

An unrepentant rake comes up against a trio of determined women and one implacable statue. Mozart’s masterpiece brims with passion, humor, psychological insights, and ravishing melodies. Don’t miss the 2024 Merola artists putting their own stamp on an opera classic. Conductor Stefano Sarzani, Director Patricia Racette (Merola ‘88).

Bay Area audiences are invited to revel in the drama passion and melody of classic opera, as the Merola artists present extended scenes from works by Donizetti, Gounod, Leoncavallo, Massenet, Puccini, and Richard Strauss, among others. Performed with a full orchestra, the Schwabacher Summer Concert will be conducted by the internationally renowned Maestro Louis Lohraseb, with direction by Omer Ben Seadia (Merola ‘14) and Anna Theodosakis (Merola ‘24).

ALEXA WILL PERFORM A SCENE OF PUCCINI’S LA BOHÈME AS MIMÌ.

Bay Area audiences are invited to revel in the drama passion and melody of classic opera, as the Merola artists present extended scenes from works by Donizetti, Gounod, Leoncavallo, Massenet, Puccini, and Richard Strauss, among others. Performed with a full orchestra, the Schwabacher Summer Concert will be conducted by the internationally renowned Maestro Louis Lohraseb, with direction by Omer Ben Seadia (Merola ‘14) and Anna Theodosakis (Merola ‘24).

ALEXA WILL PERFORM A SCENE OF PUCCINI’S LA BOHÈME AS MIMÌ.

How do you tell a whole story in the span of a few minutes? The 2024 Merola artists explore the narrative arc of song in selections from a diverse range of eras and musical styles. This dramatic recital of vocal chamber music is sure to be a memorable musical evening.

As a soon to be graduating student from The Royal Conservatory Glenn Gould School, under the mentorship of Stephanie Bogle and David Eliakis, I am beyond thrilled to announce my graduating recital, titled "METAMORPHOSIS." These past two years at the conservatory have been a journey of immense growth, both musically and personally. It has been an honour and privilege to study under the guidance of such esteemed faculty members and alongside incredibly talented peers. Earning my Artist Diploma has been a dream come true, and I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on my time here. Now, as I embark on the next chapter of my musical career, I am excited to present an evening of music that reflects my journey of transformation and evolution. Collaborating with the illustrious David Eliakis will make this recital an unforgettable experience for all. I invite you to join me on this musical journey as we celebrate the culmination of my time at the conservatory and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Experience an evening of unparalleled vocal brilliance! Acclaimed Bulgarian Bass-Baritone Geo Chobanov, renowned for his magnificent voice, joins forces with rising star Alexa Frankian. Together, they promise to mesmerize you with their powerful performances. Guided by the esteemed Canadian maestro Sabatino Vacca, indulge in the unforgettable magic of opera.

Students from The Glenn Gould School’s vocal program present their fully staged annual opera in Koerner Hall, conducted by Nicholas Ellis, Principal Guest Conductor for Les Violins du Roy, and directed by Stephen Carr.

Francis Poulenc’s heartbreaking masterpiece Dialogues des Carmélites, premiered in 1957 at La Scala in Milan. Set during the French Revolution, the story revolves around a young aristocrat Blanche de la Force, who decides to retreat from the world and joins a Carmelite convent. Eventually arrested and cast out of their convent, the nuns take a vow of martyrdom rather than renounce their vocation. Blanche initially panics and runs away, but at the last moment, she finds her courage and joins her sisters at the guillotine. The final scene, as the nuns go one by one to their execution while singing “Salve Regina,” is one of the most poignant operatic endings.

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF MADAME LIDOINE, THE NEW PRIORESS.

Students from The Glenn Gould School’s vocal program present their fully staged annual opera in Koerner Hall, conducted by Nicholas Ellis, Principal Guest Conductor for Les Violins du Roy, and directed by Stephen Carr.

Francis Poulenc’s heartbreaking masterpiece Dialogues des Carmélites, premiered in 1957 at La Scala in Milan. Set during the French Revolution, the story revolves around a young aristocrat Blanche de la Force, who decides to retreat from the world and joins a Carmelite convent. Eventually arrested and cast out of their convent, the nuns take a vow of martyrdom rather than renounce their vocation. Blanche initially panics and runs away, but at the last moment, she finds her courage and joins her sisters at the guillotine. The final scene, as the nuns go one by one to their execution while singing “Salve Regina,” is one of the most poignant operatic endings.

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF MADAME LIDOINE, THE NEW PRIORESS.

Hear the shimmering voices of The Glenn Gould School's voice students as they perform an evening of art songs and opera excerpts.

The Milton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to host the tenth version of a Milton tradition, Winterlude. This annual concert includes some familiar orchestral music that reminds us all of the holidays, as well as some new pieces that we introduce each year. And, of course, our carol sing-a-long always rounds out the show! Featuring Soprano Alexa Frankian and Lesley Andrew.

Join us on Sun Dec 3rd, 2023 at Revival Night Club for an evening of comic, biting parodies, laughter and tears. Who doesn't want their social commentary with a dose of opera?

This special event promises to be a riot, filled with hilarious parodies and side-splitting performances. From clever song spoofs to comical skits, the Opera Revue team, along with a talented lineup of special guest performers will have you rolling in the aisles.

Gather your friends, grab a drink, and prepare to have your funny bone tickled. Whether you're a fan of comedy, music, or just love a good laugh, Ruckus! at the Revival - The Parody Edition is the place to be.

An Extraordinary Affair of Soprano Serenades and Pianist Poise - Join us for a musical affair like no other: an enchanting afternoon of music, wine and elegance amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Chateau Windrush! Featuring world-class opera singer, Alexa Frankian and renowned pianist, David Eliakis, the program highlights will include mesmerizing opera arias, timeless classical piano masterpieces and harmonious duets of voice and ivories.

Students from The Glenn Gould School’s vocal program will present five short and mostly comic works with a common, distinctly quirky Canadian sensibility, all commissioned and premiered by Toronto’s Tapestry Opera between 2002 and 2009. Settings include a park, an ice rink, a hardware store, an ant colony, and a sock drawer. Peter Tiefenbach returns once again as music director, with director Dana Fridkin and designer Adriana Bogaard.

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF COACH IN ICE TIME.

Students from The Glenn Gould School’s vocal program will present five short and mostly comic works with a common, distinctly quirky Canadian sensibility, all commissioned and premiered by Toronto’s Tapestry Opera between 2002 and 2009. Settings include a park, an ice rink, a hardware store, an ant colony, and a sock drawer. Peter Tiefenbach returns once again as music director, with director Dana Fridkin and designer Adriana Bogaard.

ALEXA WILL PERFORM THE ROLE OF COACH IN ICE TIME.