Opera Nova: Six New Operas Showcase the Future of Transcultural Opera

A decade ago, the International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC) was founded with a bold vision: to fill the gaps of inclusivity and cultural diversity in the opera world—gaps that, before COVID-19, were largely unaddressed by the industry. Building upon the rich tradition of the Harlem independent black opera company movement, IBOC’s inception was inspired by a pivotal moment twenty-two years ago when Opera Ebony’s Benjamin Matthews visited Rio de Janeiro and advised future IBOC Artistic Director, João MacDowell, then a young composer working in multiple genres, to come to New York City to pursue a career in opera. 

Today, as the need for diverse and global narratives becomes more central to contemporary opera, IBOC proudly announces its inaugural Opera Nova: Works in Progress to acknowledge and build upon the historical Brazilian contribution to the transcultural artistic canon. The name, Opera Nova, was selected in reference to Bossa Nova, the major Brazilian cultural movement that entered the USA and globally in the mid-fifties.

These concerts establish Opera Nova as a defining moment in the genre’s evolution toward transcultural collaboration, presenting six new works that bridge artistic traditions and explore diverse cultural narratives. The performances will take place at Saint John’s in the Village (218 West 11th Street, New York, NY 10014) on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 16 at 3:00 PM, and Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 PM. A ticketed reception will be held on Saturday, November 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, sponsored by Paris Baguette.

“Our mission from the start was to create a space for global voices in opera, telling stories that go beyond the traditional European canon and supporting immigrant artists in developing their authorship,” says Athena Azevedo, IBOC Executive Director. 

IBOC’s Opera Nova is a key initiative in the company’s mission to create a vibrant platform for transcultural operatic work, blending the talents of Brazilian and international artists. This festival showcases six new contemporary operas, each representing the cutting edge of the genre’s shift towards greater cultural integration. Under the artistic leadership of João MacDowell, IBOC is cultivating an operatic ecosystem where artistic innovation meets cross-cultural exchange.

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Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/iboc_opera. and Brazilian Chamber Members receive a discount of $10 for the 5-7 pm Saturday Reception when purchasing with the code BRACHAM.

For more information, contact Christina Morgan at 718-309-7588 or via email at Christina@Brazilianopera.com.

Visit www.iboc.nyc for more information on the International Brazilian Opera Company’s mission and upcoming events.


 

 

Via International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC)

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