This season’s opera star recital features the genre-defying countertenor John Holiday, fresh from his Metropolitan Opera debut. John Holiday has established himself as “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” (Los Angeles Times) and his voice has been praised as “a thing of astonishing beauty” (New Yorker). The recent finalist of NBC’s The Voice will present a special program entitled The John Holiday Experience, which bridges the gap between classical and contemporary, jazz, and soul music. This not-to-be-missed concert offers an eclectic mix, from opera arias to classical art song to an array of songs by composers from a multitude of genres, including Stevie Wonder, George Gershwin, and Thelonious Monk. Pianists Grant Loehnig and Neeki Bey will join John for this special concert.

It is with the greatest pleasure that I introduce the countertenor John Holiday, who makes his Dayton Opera debut in today’s recital. John appears today with two brilliant collaborative pianists, Grant Loehnig and Neeki Bey, who are performing with Dayton Opera for the first time as well.  I met John in 2011 at the Santa Fe Opera where he spent the summer as a member of their prestigious Apprentice Singer Program. In my twenty years of working with this program, as a stage director and now as the program’s Associate Director, a handful of singers each year shine as “future stars” and John is one of those singers. What set him apart then, and continues now, is not only the beauty and unique quality of his voice, but his extraordinary artistry and exceptional ability to communicate the essence of a piece of music---no matter the genre. On a personal level, he is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, and his luminous spirit never fails to bring a smile to my face.  Please join me in welcoming these outstanding artists.

Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director