Dearborn — Prepare to be swept away by an evening of timeless elegance as world-class vocal artists take center stage to perform beloved opera highlights from Carmen, La bohème, Turandot, Show Boat, and more as the Dearborn Symphony continues its 63rd season at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or new to the art, these iconic arias and duets promise to enchant and captivate, and present a night of unforgettable music that promises to dazzle your senses and stir your soul.
The program will consist of:
• “Overture” from William Tell by Gioacchino Rossini
• “La Calunnia” from The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini
• “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini
• “Toreador Song” from Carmen by Georges Bizet
• “Vecchia zimarra, senti” from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
• “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata” from Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
• “Che gelida manina” from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
• “Si, mi chiamano Mimi” from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
• “O soave fanciulla” from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini
• “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi
• “Intermezzo” from Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni
• “Il Santo nome di Dio…La vergine degli angeli” from La Forza del Destino by Giuseppe Verdi
• “Nessun dorma” from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
• “Signore, ascolta” from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
• “Tardo per gli anni” from Attila by Giuseppe Verdi
• “Tu, che di gel sei cinta” from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
• “Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat by Jerome Kern
• “Au fond du temple saint” from The Pearl Fishers by Georges Bizet
• “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi
In collaboration with Friends of the Opera of Michigan, this concert is curated by Artistic Director Quinto Milito, who brings together a dazzling array of vocal talent to breathe life into these masterworks. Baritone Quinto Milito, a baritone, will be joined by the voices of soprano Angela Hench, soprano Colette Robert, tenor Cameron Barrett Johnson, and bass Luiz-Ottavio Faria.
Adding to the evening’s grandeur, the acclaimed Vanguard Voices, under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey, will deliver stirring chorus selections from Carmen, Nabucco, La Forza del Destino, and La Traviata. Since 1992, Vanguard Voices has captivated audiences with their versatile performances spanning classical, contemporary, and jazz repertoires.
Ticket prices range from $18 to $38 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office or the Michael A. Guido Theater box office at 313-943-2354. Go to www.dearbornsymphony.org for more information.
The Dearborn Symphony’s season continues with the “A Heartwarming Holiday,” a festive celebration filled with beloved favorites and magical moments on at 3 p.m. Nov. 24. The “Music to Live By” continues in 2025 with “Symphony Goes West” on Feb. 28, and celebrate the 100th birthday of Henry Mancini with returning soprano, Whitney Claire Kaufman on April 11. The season ends with an electrifying finale on May 9, “Fantasia Favorites.” All Friday concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
Mini-season subscriptions of three concerts and individual tickets are still available by calling the Symphony office or going to www.dearbornsymphony.org.
The Dearborn Symphony has partnered with local restaurants for “Dinner and a Concert.” The restaurants offer a 20 percent discount to symphony ticket-holders on concert nights. Reservations are recommended at Mint 29, TRIA at The Henry, The Great Commoner, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in Dearborn Heights, and Roman Village in Dearborn.
Season sponsors include Dearborn Sausage Co. and North Empire with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Dearborn Symphony has been named “Outstanding Community Orchestra” six times by Detroit Music Awards and is a contributor of the arts in Dearborn and the Downriver community.