Opera Mississippi opens 79th season Sept. 9 at St. D
Opera Mississippi opens its 79th season on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the St. Dominic Chapel on Lakeland Drive with Opera Sacré, its first “Opera in the Chapel Benefit Recital”, Come immerse yourself in an evening of musical enlightenment as the powerful voices of Krista McKenzie Overby and John Christopher Adams transport you to a higher realm of spiritual connection. From hauntingly beautiful arias to uplifting hymns, let the music stir your soul and elevate your spirit. Join us for a unique and unforgettable journey through the sacred musical traditions that have inspired and uplifted audiences for centuries.
Soprano Krista Overby, has a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of West Alabama. In addition to being a superb professional singer and actor, she is also an award-winning choral director and minister of music. She has performed with renowned gospel artists like Tamela Mann and Yolanda Adams, and her career includes performances in Trinidad, the Czech Republic, and Spain. About this concert Krista said, “I have always had such a love and passion for music; it's all I've ever known and all I've ever done. As I grew older and life began to unfold, my faith in God grew and began to merge with my love and passion for music. I love singing opera, jazz, musical theater, and rhythm and blues, but having musical opportunities to express my faith and gratitude are a critical part of my journey. I feel grounded and surer of myself, in spite of life's difficulties, setbacks, and disappointments, so this concert is an intimate look into what keeps me moving forward day by day!”
John Christopher Adams has performed on stages around the world including Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, and Seattle. A native of Fannin, Mississippi, he holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Opera from Mississippi College and the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. According to John Christopher, “Singing has always served as an outward expression of my faith. My prayer before every concert I sing is “Lord let this concert be what it needs to be for whoever needs it.” Music moves me like nothing else, and one of my favorite quotes is “music speaks when words fail.” It is also said that “music is the universal language,” and that is even truer when it comes to sacred music. No matter the denomination, everyone can find something to relate to in hymns and sacred music; this is music that reminds us of the faith that sustains us. I hope everyone leaves this concert with a reminder of how the talents God gives us can speak to anyone, regardless of their faith. This concert will demonstrate the depth of influence that faith has had in music for me.”
Patrons will hear operatic and classical selections such as the Sanctus from Gounod’s Messe Solenelle De Ste Cecile,“If With All Your Hearts” from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and the beautiful Pie Jesu from Faure’s Requiem to hymns, spirituals, and songs like “Ride On King Jesus,” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”“Oh Happy Day,” and “The Prayer.”
Admission to all three of our “Opera in the Chapel Benefit Recitals” are free, but donations are greatly appreciated.