Les grande voix d’Opera d’Afrique et des Caraibes
Tickets: https://tropiques-atrium.fr/scene-nationale/events/les-grandes-voix-dopera-dafrique-et-des-caraibes/
Singing a variety of arias and ensemble pieces.
Tickets at this link:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/afterarts/1554771
SAVE $15 BY USING PROMO CODE: kofi
(be sure it’s all lower case because it’s case sensitive)
Avec les lauréats du Concours des grandes voix lyriques d’Afrique
Passionnés de chant, désireux de découvrir ce que seront les distributions des opéras dans les années à venir, venez entendre les talents d’aujourd’hui et de demain ! Leur enthousiasme, leur jeunesse, leur énergie sauront vous convaincre que le métier auquel ils se destinent est avant tout un art qui requiert de grandes qualités humaines autant que techniques.
Retrouvez pour un concert inédit les lauréats de la seconde édition du concours international de chant Les Grandes voix lyriques d’Afrique, organisé par Africa Lyric’s Opera.
Lancée en 2007, Africa Lyric’s Opera est une initiative de l’organisation de solidarité internationale Women of Africa qui vise à promouvoir et rendre accessible au plus grand nombre, la musique classique, l’art lyrique et valoriser l’Opéra dans sa diversité. Il s’agit de faire connaitre les artistes lyriques et instrumentistes du monde et d’origine africaine, en détectant, soutenant et accompagnant les jeunes talents lyriques d’origine africaine. Le concours international s’inscrit pleinement dans cette démarche et a pour objectif de faire découvrir de nouvelles voix aux professionnels de l’art lyrique ainsi qu’au grand public.
Information: https://www.calameo.com/read/006990032833db7cd27ca
Retrouvez les lauréats du concours international de chant Les Grandes voix lyriques d’Afrique dans un concert inédit.
Les voix lyriques africaines se produisent sur la scène de l’Opéra de Rouen. Ces chanteurs ont remporté la troisième édition du concours organisé par Africa Lyric’s Opera, une initiative qui vise à rendre accessible la musique classique au plus grand nombre et à valoriser l’opéra dans sa diversité. Célébrons donc l’art lyrique sans frontière, une terre vivante, nourrie d’excellence et de métissage.
L’Opéra de Rouen Normandie, partenaire et membre du jury du concours international accompagne les lauréats de cette édition et leur ouvre la Chapelle Corneille.
Information: https://www.operaorchestrenormandierouen.fr/magazine/programmation/grandes-voix-dafrique-24-25/
Découvrez les lauréats 2024 de la catégorie semi-professionnelle du concours international de chant Les Grandes voix lyriques d’Afrique, organisé par Africa Lyric’s Opera, dont l’Opéra de Lille est partenaire.
…
Sortir l’art lyrique de ses habitudes, de ses ornières, l’ouvrir à la diversité et faire entendre des interprètes qui portent des énergies nouvelles… C’est la volonté éclairée d’Africa Lyric’s Opera, une initiative lancée en 2007 par l’organisation de solidarité internationale Women of Africa, qui repère, soutient et accompagne les jeunes talents lyriques d’origine africaine et afrodescendants. Lauréats tout juste couronnés de ce concours international, les jeunes interprètes y donneront toute leur énergie, dans un programme qui fait honneur aux beautés du répertoire de l’opéra, et les métisse çà et là de gospel, de musique américaine et de quelques surprises…
Lancée 2007, AFRICA LYRIC’S OPERA est une initiative globale, qui vise à promouvoir et rendre accessible au plus grand nombre, la musique classique, l’art lyrique et valoriser l’Opéra dans sa diversité. Il s’agit de faire connaitre les artistes lyriques et instrumentistes du monde et d’origine africaine, détecter, soutenir et accompagner les jeunes talents lyriques, créer des opéras et des collaborations avec des artistes, instrumentistes et orchestres du monde, à la rencontre de l’écriture, des voix et de l’Afrique, organiser des évènements classiques innovants et solidaires, soutenir les projets éducatifs, sociaux et culturels, créer des écoles de musique, offrir des bourses et organiser des sessions de formation, des master classes et des concours internationaux.
Le concours international des voix lyriques d’Afrique répond à une démarche d’ouverture, d’insertion professionnelle, de formation, de solidarité et de visibilité des voix d’Afrique dans la musique classique.
Performing the Bass Solo
Singing a variety of arias, duets, etc.
Click here to grab your tickets at Groupmuse
Or on Eventbrite: Eventbrite Ticket’s Here
We are excited to present to you a fascinating program celebrating the complexity of black history across time and around the world through music. The program will feature timeless favorites but also introduce you to new works that are seldom performed.
Kofi Hayford is a prize-winning Ghanaian-American bass, described as possessing an “impressive” “sonorous”, and “stentorian bass voice” also produces a distinct sound – easily identified for its unique timbre. He has over 40 operatic roles under his belt and has performed roles and concerts with The Metropolitan Opera Guild, Fort Worth Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Kofi was recently a double laureate of the 2024 Grand Voix Lyrique d'Afrique International Competition and also had his mainstage Carnegie Hall debut in May 2024. Kofi’s performing career has found enthusiastic audiences in the Arctic Circle down to the Caribbean and across the Atlantic Ocean in Europe and Africa. He received his Bachelor’s from SUNY Buffalo, co-founded the DictionBuddy mobile app, and is Chairman of the Board for the Groupmuse Foundation. Next on Kofi’s schedule are concert in NYC at Carnegie Hall and a six-city concert tour in France in May 2025
Kofi is delighted to share the stage with internationally acclaimed Venezuelan soprano, Maria Brea, who will be lending her substantial talents to this program. Praised for being a "very classy Venezuelan soprano" by The Arts Desk, ”versatile soprano” by Tampa Bay and “luxurious soprano" by Opera Wire and as Micaela; “her lush tones and thrilling diminuendos were warmly received” by The Brooklyn Reporter. Today, the soprano is fast making a name for herself across North America. Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, David Koch Theater, Palais Garnier are just some of the prestigious stages the Juilliard grad has already graced, where she has stunned audiences with her dazzling range and intoxicatingly lush tones.
Kofi and Maria will be joined by the great pianist Eric Sedgwick. Eric is a graduate of Brown University and Manhattan School of Music and has worked with great talents of classical music like Leona Mitchell, Sanford Sylbvan, and Marni Nixon. He is on faculty at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and Tanglewood Music Center in addition to many collaborations with the respected Metropolitan Opera Guild and Joyce DiDonato's Music Education Workshops at Carnegie Hall.
Celebrate the holidays with an unforgettable night of opera at Salon 58! The incredible Kofi Hayford, Mary Beth (Nelson) Zaros, and Daniel Beliavsky will fill the air with beautiful music, performing seasonal favorites and holiday classics.
Come warm your spirits with organic hot chocolate and special liqueur from the Caribbean Martinique as we revel in the magic of the season together.
Join us on Saturday, December 28 2025 at 7:00pm in Midtown (exact address will be sent by email to ticket-holders a day before the event).
Grab your tickets now!
Agenda:
7:00 - 7:30 PM - Welcome Drinks & Snacks
7:30 - 8:30 PM - Music Program
8:30 - 10:00 PM - Post-Concert Mingle & Jam
ARTIST BIOS
KOFI HAYFORD is a prize-winning Ghanaian-American bass, described as possessing an “impressive” “sonorous”, and “stentorian bass voice” also produces a distinct sound – easily identified for its unique timbre. He has over 40 operatic roles under his belt and has performed roles and concerts with The Metropolitan Opera Guild, Fort Worth Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Kofi was recently a double laureate of the 2024 Grand Voix Lyrique d'Afrique International Competition and also had his mainstage Carnegie Hall debut in May. Kofi’s performing career has found enthusiastic audiences ranging from the Arctic Circle down to the Caribbean and across the Atlantic Ocean in Europe and Africa. He received his Bachelor’s from SUNY Buffalo, co-founded the DictionBuddy mobile app, and is Chairman of the Board for the Groupmuse Foundation.
MARY BETH (NELSON) ZAROS is an American mezzo-soprano, lauded by Opera News for her “ardent, focused, von-Stadean mezzo.” She recently made her Carnegie Hall solo debut with the Oratorio Society of New York, closing their 150th season as Micah in Handel’s Samson. This spring, she will join Musica Sacra New York as the alto soloist in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Ms. Zaros earned her Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School as a Kovner Fellow. She has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera in a workshop of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, set to premiere at the Met in the 2025–26 season. Her other performances include appearances with Wolf Trap Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Opera, Opera Delaware, Florida Grand Opera, Opera Las Vegas, Opera Baltimore, and Houston Grand Opera. This summer, she will join the Santa Fe Opera as an Apprentice Artist, performing in Rigoletto under the baton of Carlo Montanaro and Le Nozze di Figaro conducted by Harry Bicket.
DANIEL BELIAVSKY, Ph.D., is an educator, concert pianist, music theorist, composer, and filmmaker. He has performed in Europe and throughout the United States with both orchestra and in recital— notable engagements include concerto performances with the Milwaukee and New Jersey Symphony Orchestras and the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra. His discography includes the world-premiere recording of composer Lukas Foss’s complete piano works, as well as music by J.S. Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, Franz Schubert, Frederic Chopin, and Modest Mussorgsky.
Daniel produces music documentaries through his production company, Opus1films, which in 2011 released Sonata (1957), a film about the distinguished American composer Donald Harris’s opus one, the Sonata for piano, and about Harris’s early career in Paris. That film was shown at Lincoln Center in New York City and was broadcast on public television. More recently, Daniel completed Secret Music and Gay Body of Music, a feature and short film, respectively, about Pulitzer Prize winning composer David Del Tredici and the contemporary social and cultural impact of his music. These films have won multiple accolades, and have been screened at film and music festivals, including the Wisconsin Film Festival, the Mostly Modern Music Festival, the American Music Festival, QFest Houston, the Lonely Seal International Film Festival, the Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the San Diego International Film Festival, Berlin Shorts, the Rotterdam Independent Film Festival, and the San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival.
Now Chair of the Fine Art and Music Department at Yeshiva University in New York City, Daniel has been a visiting professor of music theory, piano performance, aesthetics, writing about music, and history at several universities, including the City College of New York, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Stern College, Montclair State University, the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Mannes College, and New York University.
Singing Various Concerts in Martinique courtesy of the Africa Lyric Opera
International American Ballet Presents: “True Icons Gala” celebrating timeless and the world premiere of: “Astor Piazzolla: The New Era”.
I will be singing an aria from Gounod’s opera “Faust” during this multi-disciplinary artistic display.
Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-american-ballet-presents-true-icons-gala-tickets-997337361897?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp
International American Ballet Presents: “True Icons Gala” celebrating timeless and the world premiere of: “Astor Piazzolla: The New Era”.
I will be singing an aria from Gounod’s opera “Faust” during this multi-disciplinary artistic display.
Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-american-ballet-presents-true-icons-gala-tickets-997337361897?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble-in-fort-smith/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/2801
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble-in-hay-river/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/1802
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble-in-fort-simpson/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/3001
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/801
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble-in-inuvik/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/1002
Kofi and his ensemble of world-class performers will be presenting a series of concerts featuring a variety of opera, Broadway classics, folk and popular tunes.
Learn more at this link:
https://naccnt.ca/event/new-york-international-vocal-ensemble-in-norman-wells/
Tickets here: https://purchasing.naccnt.ca/ChooseSeats/1001
Join us for an exclusive evening at the historic Liederkranz of the City of New York, as we unveil The Merchant of Venice’s latest masterpiece, Maria Callas EDP. This luxurious event celebrates the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, whose voice and presence dominated the opera world throughout the 20th century. Experience a fragrance that captures her timeless elegance and the sophisticated essence of the classic chypre accord.
Why You Can't Miss This Event:
Exquisite Sip and Scent Pairing: Delight in a curated experience where fine fragrances meet bespoke beverages, designed to tantalize your senses.
Open Bar: From 7-10 PM
Masterclass : Dive deep into the artistry behind Maria Callas Fragrance by The Merchant Of Venice Representative.
Opera Live Performances: Enjoy live performances of Callas' repertoire by award-winning opera luminaries Anastasiya Roytman, Kofi Hayford, and pianist Daniel Beliavsky.
Elegant Raffle: Each ticket grants a chance to win exclusive prizes in our evening raffle.
Historical Venue Tour: Explore the ornate Liederkranz of the City of New York, a beacon of classical music and culture for nearly two centuries.
Redeem: $50 Ticket Price(fully redeemable towards your fragrance purchase at the event) USE PROMO CODE ART19 TO SAVE 10%
Bass Soloist
Tickets are available here:
https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2024/05/25/New-England-Symphonic-Ensemble-0700PM
Playing the role of Colline in my company opera debut with Fort Worth Opera.
Tickets available at this link:
https://fwopera.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0F6S00000pMxa9UAC
Role: Colline
Tickets are available at: https://fwopera.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0F6S00000pMvA9UAK
“Dinner with the Stars,” a fundraising dinner hosted by Joe Illick, Music Director Emeritus and dear friend to the company. The dinner will feature soloists Vanessa Becerra, Siphokazi Molteno, Alok Kumar, and Kofi Hayford.
Love and light always prevail. Mozart’s enchanting classic, The Magic Flute, will grace The Toby stage this coming May. Follow the harrowing journey of Prince Tamino on his expedition to rescue his true love Pamina from the wrath of none other than dark sorcerer Sarastro. Armed only with a magical flute and bells, Tamino and his quirky comrade Papageno join together to triumph over evil mystic forces beyond their understanding. Featuring some of Mozart’s most cherished and recognizable melodies, The Magic Flute will bring joy to audience members of all ages. Our production will feature a world-class multicultural cast, gorgeous music, English dialogue, and plenty of fun! Just be sure to keep an eye out for the Queen of the Night as she hits those famous high notes.
Love and light always prevail. Mozart’s enchanting classic, The Magic Flute, will grace The Toby stage this coming May. Follow the harrowing journey of Prince Tamino on his expedition to rescue his true love Pamina from the wrath of none other than dark sorcerer Sarastro. Armed only with a magical flute and bells, Tamino and his quirky comrade Papageno join together to triumph over evil mystic forces beyond their understanding. Featuring some of Mozart’s most cherished and recognizable melodies, The Magic Flute will bring joy to audience members of all ages. Our production will feature a world-class multicultural cast, gorgeous music, English dialogue, and plenty of fun! Just be sure to keep an eye out for the Queen of the Night as she hits those famous high notes.
Love and light always prevail. Mozart’s enchanting classic, The Magic Flute, will grace The Toby stage this coming May. Follow the harrowing journey of Prince Tamino on his expedition to rescue his true love Pamina from the wrath of none other than dark sorcerer Sarastro. Armed only with a magical flute and bells, Tamino and his quirky comrade Papageno join together to triumph over evil mystic forces beyond their understanding. Featuring some of Mozart’s most cherished and recognizable melodies, The Magic Flute will bring joy to audience members of all ages. Our production will feature a world-class multicultural cast, gorgeous music, English dialogue, and plenty of fun! Just be sure to keep an eye out for the Queen of the Night as she hits those famous high notes.
Join my voice teacher, Emilio Pons, Casting Director Boris Ignatov, along with several singers including myself for an insightful and educational experience centered on Opera. Light drinks and refreshments will be served
I will be performing two German arias:
Mein Herr und Gott - Lohengrin - Wagner
O Wie Will Ich Triumphiren - Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail - Mozart
Book your ticket by making the appropriate donation amount at this link: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/sgimfa-germany-and-usa/general_support
Minimum suggested donation amounts:
General Public: $75
Student auditors (currently enrolled and with ID): $35
Other auditors who are singers: $55
Riverside Opera Company presents: Black Voices
I will be singing
“Deep River” arr. by Burleigh
“O Isis und Osiris” from Mozart’s Magic Flute
“Old Man River” from Showboat by Jerome Kern
A showcase of six twenty-minute scenes from operas-in-development by the current composers and librettists in The American Opera Project’s “Composers & the Voice” Fellowship Training Program.
TICKET INFO TO COME
Cycle 11 Composers and Librettists
Gabrielle Herbst / Composer
J.E. Hernández / Composer
Raquel Acevedo Klein / Composer
Paul Pinto / Composer
Tidtaya Sinutoke / Composer
Ania Vu / Composer
Jeesun Choi / Librettist
Troy Defour / Librettist
Isabelle Dawis / Librettist
Performances by
Justine Aronson / Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Emily Mwila / Lyric Soprano
Max Potter / Mezzo-Soprano
Aaren Rivard / Tenor
Phillip Bullock / Baritone
Kofi Hayford / Bass
Music Directors:
Mila Henry
Kelly Horsted
Stage Directors:
Kimille Howard
Matt Gray
Steven Osgood / C&V Artistic Director
Mila Henry / Head of Music
Matt Gray / Head of Drama
A showcase of six twenty-minute scenes from operas-in-development by the current composers and librettists in The American Opera Project’s “Composers & the Voice” Fellowship Training Program.
TICKET INFO TO COME
Cycle 11 Composers and Librettists
Gabrielle Herbst / Composer
J.E. Hernández / Composer
Raquel Acevedo Klein / Composer
Paul Pinto / Composer
Tidtaya Sinutoke / Composer
Ania Vu / Composer
Jeesun Choi / Librettist
Troy Defour / Librettist
Isabelle Dawis / Librettist
Performances by
Justine Aronson / Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Emily Mwila / Lyric Soprano
Max Potter / Mezzo-Soprano
Aaren Rivard / Tenor
Phillip Bullock / Baritone
Kofi Hayford / Bass
Music Directors:
Mila Henry
Kelly Horsted
Stage Directors:
Kimille Howard
Matt Gray
Steven Osgood / C&V Artistic Director
Mila Henry / Head of Music
Matt Gray / Head of Drama
The event is dedicated to 30 years of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States will be held in New York City, on November 15, 2022. The project is realized by the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre in partnership with the Cultural and Educational Foundation and the American Culture Center. The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Adjara Group and the Association Georgian Wine.
The Kościuszko Foundation House will host the GALA CONCERT, the GEORGIAN WINE TASTING EVENT and the EXHIBITION by ETERI CHKADUA.
Playing the role of Gaveston in this rarely performed work by Boïeldieu
Tickets are available here: https://new-amsterdam-opera.ticketleap.com/la-dame-blanche/
I’m proud to be returning to the Salon58 Concert Series to perform a series of songs and arias with some wonderful colleagues:
Excerpts from Turandot, La bohéme, & Madama Butterfly.
Christmas Portion
Bass Soloist
