BFD of the Month: Denyce Graves in Il Trovatore

Everyone's strapped for cash and time these days. If you have just one cultural outing this month, let it be our BFD.

For an opera singer, you can't do better than making your debut at the Met. For most people, that would be a career apex. But, Denyse Graves isn't just any diva. She's one of opera's biggest superstars. And, she's returning to Charlotte for Il Trovatore this month. The last time Opera Carolina brought her here was for the 2005-06 season.

Graves may be best known for her portrayals of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. These signature roles have taken her to the Vienna Staatsoper, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Teatro Real in Madrid, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles Opera, and the Festival Maggio Musicale in Florence.

Kids may recall her singing Elmo an operatic lullaby on Sesame Street.

USA Today calls her as "an operatic superstar of the 21st Century," and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said, "If the human voice has the power to move you, you will be touched by Denyce Graves."  

Lest you think opera is just for the elite, you should know that some tickets can be had on the cheap. A subscription pass to two of Opera Carolina's three season productions will run you just $29.50. You'll be sitting in the balcony (with me!), but no seat is a bad seat when Denyse Graves is in the house. Oct 15, 20, and 23. Learn more here.