Symphony Tacoma is ready to ignite the concert stage with its upcoming “Passion & Intrigue” concert, a special homecoming concert featuring two-time GRAMMY award winner J’Nai Bridges. On Saturday, November 23rd (7:30pm), the historic Pantages Theater will come alive with a dramatic fusion of fiery Spanish themes, exotic tales from the East, and powerful operatic moments, creating an evening of intense emotion and mesmerizing storytelling expertly conducted by Symphony Tacoma Music Director Sarah Ioannides.
At the heart of this concert is renowned mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, making a celebrated return home to perform with Symphony Tacoma. Growing up in Lakewood, J’Nai graduated from Charles Wright Academy before going on to study at the Manhattan School of Music and then the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia for graduate school. While participating in a young artists’ program at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, she was mentored by Renée Fleming.
J’Nai has captured the world’s attention with her lush, velvety voice and powerful stage presence. Her illustrious career spans performances with major opera houses and orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Acclaimed for her interpretations of both classic and contemporary repertoire, J’Nai’s artistry resonates deeply with audiences, earning her accolades and solidifying her status as one of today’s most captivating vocal talents.
J’Nai’s homecoming to Tacoma is more than just a performance; it’s a heartfelt reunion with the community that nurtured her early passion for music. This highly anticipated appearance with Symphony Tacoma promises to be an emotional and exhilarating experience as audiences witness a hometown star bringing her world-class talent back to where it all began. With a voice that embodies warmth and elegance, her presence on the stage will elevate the evening, creating a moment of shared pride and musical brilliance.
J’Nai takes centerstage to breathe life into Maurice Ravel’s evocative Shéhérazade. This exquisite song cycle embodies the allure and mystique of the legendary tales of the Arabian Nights. Ravel’s expressive work promises to transport the audience into an enchanting world of storytelling and musical splendor, capturing the essence of longing and intrigue with its blend of exoticism and subtle drama.
Opening this exceptional evening is Giacomo Puccini’s Preludio Sinfonico. This powerful, sweeping orchestral work showcases Puccini’s innate ability to evoke deep emotion and drama. Written early in his career, Preludio serves as a brilliant introduction to the lush, expressive style that would come to define Puccini’s operatic masterpieces. Filled with sweeping melodies, rich harmonies, and a sense of longing and anticipation, Preludio sets the stage for the intense emotional journeys that Puccini would later explore in his operas. Despite its relatively brief length, the work encapsulates the grandeur and passion that characterizes much of Puccini’s legacy, offering a glimpse into the soul of one of Italy’s most beloved composers.
After intermission, audiences will be treated to Georges Bizet’s Suites for Carmen, bringing to life the fiery passions and intense drama of his iconic opera Carmen. In Suite No. 1, Bizet’s powerful melodies and infectious rhythms are transformed into a vivid orchestral suite that captures the exotic spirit of Spain. From the sultry “Habanera” (featuring J’Nai) to the carefree “Séguedille,” Bizet’s music conveys a world of love, betrayal, and fate, with each movement offering a new layer of emotional depth. The suite is a thrilling orchestral experience that highlights Bizet’s original opera’s rich character while presenting the music in a concert-friendly form.
Carmen Suite No. 2 expands upon the passions and drama introduced in the first suite, continuing to explore the emotional intensity of Carmen through a series of rousing orchestral arrangements. This suite includes some of the opera’s most unforgettable moments, including the dark, dramatic “Intermezzo” and the poignant “Carmen’s Death.” Both heighten the sense of tragedy that pervades the story. The vibrant melodies and rhythms that made Carmen one of the world’s most beloved operas are on full display in this suite, with Bizet’s music capturing both the sensuality and fatalism at the heart of the opera. Together, the two suites offer a compelling and powerful rendition of Carmen, providing audiences with an unforgettable musical journey.
Symphony Tacoma’s Passion & Intrigue (November 23rd, 7:30pm) promises to be a homecoming no one will soon forget with the immense stage presence of J’Nai Bridges coming home to the Pantages Theater and Maestro Ioannides leading Symphony Tacoma through an evening of Passion & Intrigue.
Tickets for Passion & Intrigue are available at the Symphony Tacoma Box Office, symphonytacoma.org, or 253-272-7264. Prices range from $24 to $89.
ABOUT SYMPHONY TACOMA:
Building community through music Symphony Tacoma is a dynamic professional orchestra composed of local musicians dedicated to making great music accessible to all. Led by Music Director Sarah Ioannides, the orchestra is committed to engaging, educating, and inspiring the community through transformative musical experiences. www.symphonytacoma.org
