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Opera for Black Folks
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 8 ส.ค. 2022
Opera for Black Folks is an enriching channel led by a classically trained lyric coloratura soprano and content creator. Through her unique lens as a performing artist and Jamaican woman, she offers a captivating exploration of navigating a career in the classical arts.
This channel isn't just about opera; it's a cultural voyage. Discover the roots of opera, its evolution from the 16th century to today, and its profound cultural influences. Gain insight into where this beautiful art form began and how it has evolved over time.
As a classically trained opera singer, she doesn't just perform - she shares her weekly journey as an artist and solopreneur. Dive into her experiences, understand the challenges, and celebrate the triumphs of an artist dedicated to her craft.
Opera for Black Folks isn't just a channel; it's an odyssey through the world of opera, a celebration of diverse perspectives, and an inspiring testament to the power of passion and entrepreneurship in the arts.
This channel isn't just about opera; it's a cultural voyage. Discover the roots of opera, its evolution from the 16th century to today, and its profound cultural influences. Gain insight into where this beautiful art form began and how it has evolved over time.
As a classically trained opera singer, she doesn't just perform - she shares her weekly journey as an artist and solopreneur. Dive into her experiences, understand the challenges, and celebrate the triumphs of an artist dedicated to her craft.
Opera for Black Folks isn't just a channel; it's an odyssey through the world of opera, a celebration of diverse perspectives, and an inspiring testament to the power of passion and entrepreneurship in the arts.
Carmen's Card Trio: The Litha Symphony Awaits...
Carmen's Card Trio Comes to Life | Gala Fortuna & Litha Symphony.
"Did you know 'Litha' is another name for Midsummer, the year's longest day? Inspired by this, the NYC-based "Litha Symphony" breaks tradition by performing during the summer: 'the off-season.' With 100-150 volunteer musicians, this orchestra offers a rare opportunity for singers and instrumentalists alike to perform works from Mahler to Mozart. In June, they featured a diverse repertoire at their 'Gala Fortuna' that included pieces from the opera 'Carmen,' which we'll dive into today!"
Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Now!
• opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/f22d3d7096
Instagram: cassandra_douglas_
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Welcome
0:59 - Carmen's Historical Opera Facts
7:11 - What is the "Card Trio?"
8:56 - Trio: Mêlon! Coupon! aka The Card Trio
16:12 - Thanks for Watching! 💛
Music & Photo credits:
• Music - ‘Last to Know’ - by Ocean, Ryan McCaffrey
• Litha Symphony Orchestra: www.lithasymphony.org/
- Lighthouse Opera Company: lighthouseopera.org
Carmen, Opera Breakdown:
- Carmen's Habanera: th-cam.com/video/x8MlEBBAL5k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=B7IjN059VNh8Hy9B
- Camen's Lovers - Part 1: th-cam.com/video/8KMtEHCVGz8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sr8zbWW3Rdo3Ok-U
- Carmen's Lovers - Part 2: th-cam.com/video/H7-CvIWbZSk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qlrIJxGyQKQIwv61
Equipment:
Camera: Sony ZV-1 -
o a.co/fRY8TmQ
Microphone: Rode Microphone
o a.co/gIP9181
Lighting: Neewer Ring Light
o a.co/hyWhcJw
Tripod: Manfrotto
"Did you know 'Litha' is another name for Midsummer, the year's longest day? Inspired by this, the NYC-based "Litha Symphony" breaks tradition by performing during the summer: 'the off-season.' With 100-150 volunteer musicians, this orchestra offers a rare opportunity for singers and instrumentalists alike to perform works from Mahler to Mozart. In June, they featured a diverse repertoire at their 'Gala Fortuna' that included pieces from the opera 'Carmen,' which we'll dive into today!"
Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Now!
• opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/f22d3d7096
Instagram: cassandra_douglas_
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Welcome
0:59 - Carmen's Historical Opera Facts
7:11 - What is the "Card Trio?"
8:56 - Trio: Mêlon! Coupon! aka The Card Trio
16:12 - Thanks for Watching! 💛
Music & Photo credits:
• Music - ‘Last to Know’ - by Ocean, Ryan McCaffrey
• Litha Symphony Orchestra: www.lithasymphony.org/
- Lighthouse Opera Company: lighthouseopera.org
Carmen, Opera Breakdown:
- Carmen's Habanera: th-cam.com/video/x8MlEBBAL5k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=B7IjN059VNh8Hy9B
- Camen's Lovers - Part 1: th-cam.com/video/8KMtEHCVGz8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sr8zbWW3Rdo3Ok-U
- Carmen's Lovers - Part 2: th-cam.com/video/H7-CvIWbZSk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qlrIJxGyQKQIwv61
Equipment:
Camera: Sony ZV-1 -
o a.co/fRY8TmQ
Microphone: Rode Microphone
o a.co/gIP9181
Lighting: Neewer Ring Light
o a.co/hyWhcJw
Tripod: Manfrotto
มุมมอง: 81
วีดีโอ
Challenge With Verdi: Recital At Trinity Wall Street - Rigoletto, "Act 2 Scena"
มุมมอง 2604 หลายเดือนก่อน
Join me as I share a recent performance with Baritone Jonathan Green at his recital in the historic Saint Paul’s Chapel in NYC on June 9th, 2024. Jonathan delivered an outstanding recital, and I was honored to join as a guest artist. This experience allowed me to challenge myself and explore new music. It was my first time singing pieces by Giuseppe Verdi and my introduction to the character Gi...
The Queen of the Night: Ally or Adversary? Part 2
มุมมอง 3704 หลายเดือนก่อน
In today’s video, Cassandra delves into part 2 of her breakdown of the opera “Dia Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute). Uncover why the Queen of the Night flies into a rage, find out if Tamino and Pamina reunite, and see if poor Papageno ever finds a wife. Discover all this and more in today’s delightful look into Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famous opera, The Magic Flute. Discover My Next Performance D...
Queen of the Night: Friend or Foe? Crack the Code to her Famous Aria! Part 1
มุมมอง 6774 หลายเดือนก่อน
In today's video, Cassandra delves into the timeless tale of The Magic Flute. This enchanting German singspiel-turned-opera narrates a journey of love triumphing over trials, unveiling the best within us. Join me as we explore Mozart's opera from the Queen of the Night's perspective, uncovering the inspiration behind her iconic aria, "Die Hölle Rache." Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My...
Cassandra Douglas Performs 'Come Down Angels' at St. Paul’s Chapel with Pianist Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 705 หลายเดือนก่อน
Join Cassandra in today's video as she performs Undine Smith Moore's arrangement of the uplifting spiritual "Come Down Angels." This unforgettable recital, recorded on April 7th, 2024, at the historic St. Paul's Chapel in New York City, captures this cherished Spiritual's enchanting melodies and timeless ambiance. Indulge in the musical magic within the walls of a venue steeped in rich history....
Cassandra Douglas Performs 'Balm in Gilead' at St. Paul’s Chapel with Pianist Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 995 หลายเดือนก่อน
Join Cassandra in today's video as she performs H.T. Burleigh's arrangement of the beloved Negro spiritual "Balm in Gilead." This unforgettable recital, recorded on April 7th, 2024, at the historic St. Paul's Chapel in New York City, captures this cherished Spiritual's enchanting melodies and timeless ambiance. Indulge in the musical magic within the walls of a venue steeped in rich history. Di...
'Maybe' - Cassandra Douglas, Soprano - Musical: Annie, music by Charles Stouse.
มุมมอง 835 หลายเดือนก่อน
Cassandra Douglas and pianist Leesa Dahl perform Maybe from the musical 'Annie' at her Spring recital at the historic St Paul's Chapel in NYC on April 7th, 2024. Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Now! • opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/f22d3d7096 Instagram: cassandra_douglas_ Opera for Black Folks is an enriching channel led by Cassandra Douglas, a classically ...
'Quando me'n vo' - Cassandra Douglas, Soprano - Opera: La Bohème, by Puccini
มุมมอง 1425 หลายเดือนก่อน
Cassandra Douglas & Pianist, Richard Cordova, perform Musetta's aria "Quando Me'n Vo'" from Puccini's timeless opera "La Bohème". Instagram: cassandra_douglas_ Opera for Black Folks is an enriching channel led by a classically trained soprano and content creator, Cassandra Douglas. Through her unique lens as a performing artist and Jamaican woman, she offers a captivating explora...
Six Ways To Stay Creative…
มุมมอง 746 หลายเดือนก่อน
Have you ever wondered what artists do between gigs? Do they disappear off the face of the earth? In today’s video, join Cassandra as she unveils the behind-the-scenes of an artist’s life- how to refill the creative coffers and stay intentional, especially during those moments of creative burnout. 🎶✨ Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Today! • opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/...
Cassandra Douglas Performs 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' at St. Paul’s Chapel with Pianist Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 1317 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this captivating video, Cassandra performs the beloved classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" alongside Pianist Leesa Dahl, captured during her unforgettable April 7th, 2024 recital at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City. Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Now! • opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/f22d3d7096 Instagram: cassandra_douglas_ Opera for Black Folks is a...
Musical Theater vs Opera: Which is More Your Style?
มุมมอง 2777 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this captivating video, Cassandra performs the beloved classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" alongside Pianist Leesa Dahl, captured during her unforgettable April 7th, 2024 recital at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City. Additionally, she delves into the intriguing similarities and differences between Musical Theater and Opera, offering insights into what sets each art form apart. Don't miss t...
Cassandra Douglas Performs 'Summertime' at St. Paul’s Chapel with Pianist Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 5687 หลายเดือนก่อน
In today's video, join Cassandra as she delivers a mesmerizing rendition of the iconic aria "Summertime" from George Gershwin's opera "Porgy & Bess." Experience this unforgettable performance captured during Cassandra's recital on April 7th, 2024, at the historic St. Paul's Chapel in New York City. Indulge in this beloved aria's enchanting melodies and timeless ambiance, set within the walls of...
'Il Dolce Suono" aka: The Mad Scene: The Unraveling Mind of Lucia di Lammermoor
มุมมอง 1397 หลายเดือนก่อน
"Step into the captivating world of Lucia di Lammermoor, where love, betrayal, and tragedy intertwine in a mesmerizing tale of passion and sacrifice. Join us as we delve into Lucia's poignant journey, torn between societal expectations and the fervent desires of her heart. Witness the gripping narrative unfold as Lucia grapples with the anguish of an unwanted marriage while clinging to her forb...
'Regnava nel Silenzo' | A Gripping Journey into one of Opera's Most Memorable Tragedy
มุมมอง 1077 หลายเดือนก่อน
Step into the captivating world of Lucia di Lammermoor, where love, betrayal, and tragedy intertwine in a mesmerizing tale of passion and sacrifice. Join us as we delve into Lucia's poignant journey, torn between societal expectations and the fervent desires of her heart. Witness the gripping narrative unfold as Lucia grapples with the anguish of an unwanted marriage while clinging to her forbi...
'Ach ich fühl's' - Cassandra Douglas, Soprano - Opera: Die Zauberflöte, by Mozart
มุมมอง 5608 หลายเดือนก่อน
Cassandra Douglas with Neill Campbell perform Pamina's Aria, "Ach ich fühl's" from Mozart's popular opera 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic Flute) Discover My Next Performance Date: Join My Mailing List Now! • opera-for-black-folks.ck.page/f22d3d7096 Instagram: cassandra_douglas_ Opera for Black Folks is an enriching channel led by a classically trained soprano and content creator, Ca...
O Mio Babbino Caro. One of The Most Popular Arias in the World. The Story of “Gianni Schicchi”
มุมมอง 1.5K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
O Mio Babbino Caro. One of The Most Popular Arias in the World. The Story of “Gianni Schicchi”
"Unlocking Excellence: Why Every Singer Should Apply to OPERA America's Career Blueprints!
มุมมอง 638 หลายเดือนก่อน
"Unlocking Excellence: Why Every Singer Should Apply to OPERA America's Career Blueprints!
VLOG: Opera America - Career Blueprints - Day 1
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Aria Breakdown: Toreador Song - The Two Great Loves of Carmen - Part 1
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Aria Breakdown: Habanera - The Downfall of Don Jose
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Aria Breakdown: Habanera - The Downfall of Don Jose
Vlog - Chicago Update - Final Days with Lyric Opera
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"Nessun Dorma" - What's He Really Saying?! - Aria Breakdown
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"Nessun Dorma" - What's He Really Saying?! - Aria Breakdown
He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas & Pianist, Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 4310 หลายเดือนก่อน
He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas & Pianist, Leesa Dahl
VLOG - Day in the Life of an Opera Singer - Chicago Update - Champion
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"La Donna è Mobile" - What's He Really Saying?! - Aria Breakdown
มุมมอง 24210 หลายเดือนก่อน
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OPERA America, Career Blueprints for Singers Audition
มุมมอง 4010 หลายเดือนก่อน
OPERA America, Career Blueprints for Singers Audition
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas & Pianist, Leesa Dahl
มุมมอง 8110 หลายเดือนก่อน
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas & Pianist, Leesa Dahl
Little David - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas, with Pianist, Leesa Dahl.
มุมมอง 8910 หลายเดือนก่อน
Little David - Soprano, Cassandra Douglas, with Pianist, Leesa Dahl.
Thank you for making this accessible, bringing it down to the level of human emotions, the universal language we all share.
🇯🇲 🎉
Ahhh Jamaican American singer me too!!! You go girl!!❤❤
Thank you !
Whoa! Simply remarkable! Thanks for sharing the subtitles and plot breakdown.
12:36 Ahhh well this makes a lot of sense. Even while watching the show I thought that the ending was just weird and confusing. Turnadot built an entire system and killed dozens of suitors to protect herself from a stranger pushing himself on to her and yet in the end the thing that makes her soften and accept love is...a stranger pushing himself onto her???
The irony is comical. Maybe Turandot is more into Calaf because he asks her to solve his riddle and gives her the option to still take his life even if she doesn't solve the riddle. Maybe his actions heightened her curiosity about him while still respecting her boundaries; Calaf was different from anyone who had come before. In the end, it’s just a fun story set to some fabulous music. Turandot is also a queen and, understandably, will not drop her guard just over a riddle. We’ll never know, but it’s fun to consider. I sometimes wonder if Puccini would have ended the story differently if he had been still alive. Thanks for watching and welcome!
I am in AWE of you young lady, the passion and expression in this explaination from you is priceless.
One of my favorite opera
13:23 thank you so much for telling the story
So on top of a REALLY GREAT explanation, Cassandra has introduced (some of) us to Mr. Noah Stewart, whose beautiful rendition blew MY socks off! Thank you so much!! ❤
Your vivaciousness and excitement is contagious. 💚
You are great!
As an opera fan who saw Turandot, I enjoyed your presentation. Please don’t stop. This is a very useful initiative, Cassandra. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks for such a great explanation of the aria. Too bad President Trump’s foes and naysayers can’t/won’t figure out what he is telling them.
I’m crying! The RNC did use the aira, “Nessun Dorma”, at the end of the convention. Well…Opera is for everyone so, if they feel inclined to learn about something new, all are welcome regardless of political affiliation. This IS America, home of the brave and the land of the free. 🇺🇸
Thank you ...👏👏👏👏👏🥰💐🌿
You’re welcome 😊
Magic Flute is always a tough sell for me. It has some magnificent music but the Libretto is an absolute train wreck. Not to mention absurdly and explicitly racist as well as misogynist. There is some vile, vile shit in here and german is my native language so I‘m condemned to understand all of it. You cut off Monostatos‘ Aria before that part, but he actually sings verbatim that „Everything is enjoying love‘s joys and I must avoid love because a black person is ugly!“ I feel gross just typing and translating. He goes then on to praise the beauty of white women, which enchants him. You could say, that is just him rationalizing her rejection, but still. (Did I mention that this Aria is nowadays quietly stricken from the Opera for the most part? No? Well, I have now) Best way for me is ignore anything plot related that does not directly involve the true hero of the story, my main man Papageno and support the person with the cooler Melodies and, I‘m sorry, but it‘s not even a contest. Queen of the Night is in the right. So, even though I don‘t like the Opera very much, I definitely enjoyed your video. You have now gained a new subscriber.
I’m with you on SO many levels! I had an entire rant about Monostatos aria but thought better to cut it in the final edit. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. 💛🎶
OMG!OMG!OMG! FABULOUS!!!!!!! To the soloists:👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 To the pianist:👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Awww! 🥹💛🎶 Thank you so much! 💛
I love your channel , you make my day .
You are so kind! Thank you for watching!
Very dramatic. I was totally caught up in it.
LOVE your program , THANKS
Thank you and you have a gorgeous smile!
Nobody ever thought to explain this to us opera fans.🤔 I for one always wondered it's meaning. Tu da D'or is a great opera, I Love Nessuno Dorme, and thanks to you, I understand it now. I understand it in italian, but never saw the opera from beginning to end..💖💖
You're a new discovery for me, and I'm very pleased. (When someone is gifted, it often comes in an unfair portion.) 🙂
Thanks. Would love more. I love listening and learning from you. Beautiful voice
More to come!
Stellar!
Very informative post. Thank you sooooo much.
I thank for sharing..as a melonated person who has been loving and listening to opera for decades,it is really refreshing to have you be so considerate as to expose your world to us. Grazie mille.
Bravo! I thoroughly enjoyed this and applaud the three of your for this wonderful performance! I'm learning so much about opera from your TH-cam. My appreciation has widen with Opera for Black Folks.
where can we see upcoming show performances? Also, one long video would be cool
Who else is here after hearing this song at the end of the RNC convention?
This is an excellent channel my dear! So helpful! I remember in 8th grade, 1965, my English teacher, a handsome man, broke down a Shakespeare play for us by assigning us parts. I fell in love with Shakespeare's plays, just as you have helped me fall in love with understanding opera. Thank you, Love, PK
Wow, thank you!
Magnificent ❤❤❤
Fantastic! what you did in this video was amazing. I have often heard this Aria, loved it but knew nothing about it. Your breakdown was great. Even more your enthusiasm as you taught was infectious. I hope this is more than just a notion for you because you have a real talent for this. Culture expanded. Eternally grateful! Keep them coming!
We have to produce operatic events in the Caribbean...have interest in Bahamas and Jamaica. I produced classical concerts in Jamaica years ago with my friend, then Chair of Boston Chamber Music. Let's do it.
You do a wonderful job in translation, your love for the opera shows on your eyes. Thank you for your passion and teachings. You had me hanging on the edge of my seat!
Thank you very much! Thank you so much for watching! 😍💛
You butchered the name of the opera as Arethra butchered the aria.
Thank you for your feedback. I always seek improvement. It would be most helpful if you could offer the correct pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
This was incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to make it.
Her Carmen was sensational. She became a woman from another Era. Her movements and everything was from another time. Amazing
Thank you for the video... I've listened to this a million times, but never understood it. Thanks for explaining it so well.
Glad it was helpful!
oops, tiny error in your video: "early 19th century opera"... it's actually an early 20th century opera ;-) 1917-1918 is quite certainly in the 20th century😀 My favourite of Il Trittico is Suor Angelica. Hopefully one day soon we'll have the pleasure of one of your highly instructive videos on that little masterpiece! It's like the 3rd act of an opera with no 1st and 2nd act. One interesting detail is that Gianni is the only "comedy" that Puccini wrote. No one technically dies in it, there is no "tragedy". Even the one dramatic "tragic" aria (O Mio Babbino Caro) is more of a petulant adolescent "if I don't get my way I'll hold my breath!" (Jumping from the Ponte Vecchio wouldn't be all that dramatic, it's about 6 feet off the water!)
Yes! You’re right! I made the error with my centuries. I wish I could go back and re-edit but thank you for sharing!
beautiful excellent
I would love to hear you tell the story behind Nella Fantasia
This young black tenor has a nice voice!
OMG I love this channel! I am so glad I found it. (And I am happy to say I sang in the chorus of an opera featuring Noah Stewart, and I've also done lights for him)
Thank-you for the great work you are doing for all of us classical musicians. Know that it is truly appreciated.
Interestingly, Turandot the opera has a main titular character who doesn't actually sing a note until the 2nd act! The only opera that "goes one better" is Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Consul" (a sublime opera in its own right) where the titular character, despite driving the action, never even appears on stage nor sings a single note. 😆
These are GREAT tips, especially when it comes to prioritizing rest and re-filling during slow seasons. Artists often think the answer to a slow season is to speed up and 'hustle." Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
You are so welcome!
Thank you very much for the relatable explanation.
Holy... Mother... ❤❤❤
Absolutely ADORE this opera! Have seen and listened to it hundreds if not thousands of Times and every Time it just resonates with Me so STRONGLY. The Music - the Story itself - and especially the intensity of the whole Thing keeps Me on edge like a great mystery. "The Kiss" and when Calaf speaks His Name "Love"...whew. For Me personally, it's all about a Proposal. And for Me Personally, I intend to take My Future Wife to a special performance of this VERY special Opera and Propose to Her after seeing for Herself the POWER that is in a GREAT Love Story. LOVE that the newer Generations and even some older ones are looking to Opera and the Power in its presentation really holds in a majestic way. Some things never grow old. They just get STRONGER...❤❤ GREAT EXPLANATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
technically, Calaf says his name is Calaf... Turandot is the one who says "the stranger's name is Love."