The Concert Chorale of Harlem (TCCH) is set to headline Éclat Opéra concert scheduled for November 16-17, 2024 at the Little Theatre.

The Éclat Opéra two-concert series will showcase an inspiring collection of arias and beloved classics from renowned opera composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti. Additionally, the programme will feature modern works from Gershwin and Bernstein, as well as compositions by leading Jamaican composers.

Attendees can expect an exhilarating mix of Broadway, jazz, classical favourites, and spiritual music.

Organisers have assured that audiences will enjoy a dazzling production that lives up to the French meaning of the highly anticipated event’s title Éclat Opéra — there will be fireworks.

Also billed to offer performances at the concert is Jamaica’s leading classical ensemble, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica (POJ).

The Éclat Opéra concert will alo feature three-time Grammy award-winning American tenor Chauncey Packer, two-time Grammy award nominee soprano Laquita Mitchell, baritone Clayton G Williams, soprano Olanna Goudeau, and conductor Dr Tyrone Clinton Jr.

“An opera concert with such high calibre opera singers, backed by a full orchestra, is a rare occurrence in Jamaica, and music lovers should not miss this special treat,” stated Andrew Ho, POJ executive chairman.

TCCH Inc. is a performing arts organisation of classically trained musicians dedicated to enriching the community through music and educating global audiences. It consists of 14 black opera singers, some of whom have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, and are graduates from prestigious institutions like Julliard School and Manhattan School of Music and trained with prominent voice professors.

It was founded by Music Director Rodari Simpson, a Jamaican-born tenor now based in New York.

Simpson noted: “This visit means so much to us as we share the joys of classical music and the art of opera with Jamaican audiences. It’s also an opportunity to showcase Jamaican and Caribbean talent which I have always felt has a special vibrance.”

POJ conductor and Music Director Franklin Halliburton will share the baton with TCCH’s conductor Dr Tyrone Clinton Jr, who is the founder of Unsung Collective, a non-profit group which is devoted to celebrating people of colour in Western art music in New York City.

According to Halliburton: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with this distinguished group of classical opera singers from New York, and I am particularly pleased that they will be performing an original choral work created by one of our local composers. I am sure that the performance will leave the audience spellbound.”

The Éclat Opéra concert is sponsored by Jamaica Tourist Board and CHASE Fund and is curated by the POJ and TCCH.

Showtime is 7:oo pm on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday.