Cierra
Byrd
She made her Met debut as Bertha in Terence Blanchard’s historic, Grammy Award–winning production of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones", and returned to the Metropolitan Opera to reprise Bertha while also joining the company for their production of "Madama Butterfly". Last season, she joined Houston Grand Opera in Jake Heggie’s "Intelligence" and with PAC NYC in Huang Ruo’s "An American Soldier"
Schedule
Upcoming Engagements
Description
This performance of Messiah: Part 1 and the triumphant Hallelujah chorus will transport audiences with its grandeur and spirit. The program begins with William Boyce’s Ode to the New Year 1758, a lively and celebratory work, followed by composer and lost local legend Julia Perry’s Ye Who Seek the Truth. Hadyn’s charming and impressive Trumpet Concerto closes the first half. Finally, the Akron Symphony Chorus joins the ASO to deliver the true might of orchestral power necessary for Handel’s Messiah—a piece widely recognized and beloved by audiences. A full stage of choral and orchestral energy awaits audiences this November.
All concerts take place at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, located on the campus of The University of Akron. Per guidelines set by the University of Akron, masks are optional for all patrons attending concerts at EJ Thomas Hall. Parking is FREE FOR ALL CONCERTGOERS. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the E.J. Thomas Parking Deck, Lot 27, and the North Campus Parking Deck.
Please pick your section; best seats available will be chosen for you. If you have a particular area (seat) you want, please mention it in the notes section. We’ll do our best to seat you accordingly. If you need special seating in any way (such as easy access, or handicapped accessible), please indicate that in the notes or call the office. These are available in Section B.
FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE PLEASE CALL 330.535.8131 FOR DISCOUNTED RATES
If you purchase your tickets a week in advance or more, they will be mailed to you unless specified otherwise. Tickets purchased less than a week from the concert date will be available in office or at the venue the night of the concert.
Cierra Byrd
Mezzo Soprano Soloist
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Description
A powerful fusion of music and drama, King David brings the biblical epic to life.
Cierra Byrd
Young David, Witch of Endor, Bathsheba
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Sarah Pajonas
Chorister
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Description
When the smoke clears, only truth is left standing.
Set in Richmond, VA, Intelligence is inspired by a gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. In the shadows of the Civil War, Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman turned operative, joins a Union spy ring, unveiling secrets about the Confederacy and her own identity. Packed with riveting drama, powerful music, and dynamic dance, Intelligence will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Conceived by Jake Heggie, Gene Scheer, Jawole Zollar
Music by Jake Heggie, Libretto by Gene Scheer
Based upon historical facts pertaining to the underground Civil War spy network of Mary Jane Bowser and Elizabeth Van Lew
This Opera was commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera
Sung in English with English Surtitles
Conducted by Adam Turner; Directed by Kyle Lang
The orchestra for this production is provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Join us before each performance for a pre-show lecture.
This is an opera in 2 acts with an intermission.
Cierra Byrd
Performer
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Recent Highlights
Cierra Byrd
Aishah McNair
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Mary-Hollis Hundley
Joella "Jo" Jenner
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Armando Contreras
Lt. Roberto Gonzalez
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Alexandra Wiebe
Performer
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Jamila Drecker-Waxman
Soprano #2
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Katherine Pracht Phares
Commanding Officer's Wife
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Biography
American mezzo-soprano, Cierra Byrd, is an alum of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera.
She made her Met debut as Bertha in Terence Blanchard’s historic, Grammy Award–winning production of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones", and returned to the Metropolitan Opera to reprise Bertha while also joining the company for their production of "Madama Butterfly". Additionally, Ms. Byrd appeared at the Met as "Woman of Crete" in Mozart's "Idomeneo" and stepped in as "Soeur Mathilde" for the most recent run of "Dialogues des Carmélites". Last season, she joined Houston Grand Opera in Jake Heggie’s "Intelligence" and with PAC NYC in Huang Ruo’s "An American Soldier".
This season, Ms. Byrd made notable debuts in three new productions: as Queen Kandake Amanirenas in "Kandake" with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, in the world premiere of "She Who Dared" with Chicago Opera Theater, and in "The Knock" with Central City Opera. Upcoming highlights include performances of Honegger’s "Le roi David" with The New York Choral Society and returning to the role of Lucinda in Heggie's "Intelligence" with Virginia Opera.
Notable roles and performances: Fatima in Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels’ new opera "Omar" at Boston Lyric Opera (Pulitzer and Grammy decorated, Giddens most recently played for Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album and Abels is the composer for Jordan Peele's films, "Get Out" and "Us"), sang Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 9" with The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and "Missa Solemnis" with The Orchestra Now. Notably, she appeared in Mahler’s "Symphony No. 3" with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Marin Alsop.
