FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston Ebony Opera Guild Presents Opera Chorus Gems: A Celebration of Great Opera Choruses

Join the Houston Ebony Opera Guild for Opera Chorus Gems: A Celebration of Great Opera Choruses on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM at First Christian Church of Houston. Experience some of opera’s most beloved choruses and dramatic scenes, featuring music by Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, Mascagni, Mozart, Donizetti, Handel, Copland, and Gershwin.

A special edition of HEOG’s annual Opera Gems Concert, this year’s program turns the spotlight toward the chorus—celebrating some of the most beloved, dramatic and exhilarating ensemble moments in the operatic repertoire.

Under the direction of Gregory D. McDaniel, HEOG Artistic Director and conductor, with Rolethial McKelvey, collaborative pianist, the concert will span centuries of great vocal music and feature works by Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, Mascagni, Mozart, Donizetti, Handel, Copland and Gershwin.

“This season, the Opera Gems Concert will have a special twist,” said McDaniel. “This concert will celebrate some of the most famous choruses and scenes from the operatic repertoire; from Wagner’s Bridal Chorus to Mascagni’s Easter Hymn Chorus to Verdi’s iconic Va, pensiero, and more.”

Among the program highlights are three celebrated works by Giuseppe Verdi: the rousing “Anvil Chorus,” the poignant “Va, pensiero” (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Nabucco, and the effervescent “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” from La traviata.

Audiences will also hear Wagner’s instantly recognizable “Bridal Chorus,” selections from Bizet’s Carmen, and Mascagni’s soaring Easter Hymn from Cavalleria rusticana, alongside music by Mozart, Handel and Aaron Copland.

The concert will expand beyond individual choruses to present larger dramatic scenes. Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor will be represented by a scene featuring the opera’s beloved Sextet, while George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess will take audiences through the powerful Funeral Scene, beginning with “My Man’s Gone Now” and moving toward “Leaving for the Promised Land.”

A particularly meaningful element of this year’s program is that every featured solo will be performed by a member of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Chorus, allowing individual voices to emerge from the ensemble throughout the evening.

“Opera choruses have the remarkable ability to transform a collection of individual voices into an entire community,” said McDaniel. “This will be an evening of opera that you certainly don’t want to miss. We look forward to seeing you all there.”

EVENT INFORMATION

Opera Chorus Gems: A Celebration of Great Opera Choruses
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.

First Christian Church of Houston
1601 Sunset Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005

Tickets: $25

Tickets and additional information are available through the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Opera Chorus Gems event page.

About the Houston Ebony Opera Guild

The Houston Ebony Opera Guild is dedicated to preserving, promoting and advancing the art of opera and classical vocal music while celebrating the contributions of African American artists to the field. Through performances, educational initiatives, artist development and community engagement, the Guild works to ensure that opera remains a vibrant and accessible part of Houston’s cultural landscape.

MEDIA CONTACT

Houston Ebony Opera Guild
Byron Johnson
ebonymusic92@gmail.com
832-377-7751
houstonebonymusic.org