Come witness "Pearls of Opera," an enchanting evening that brings opera’s magic to life in the elegant and beautiful architecture of Christ Church of the Ascension. Following the success of its March 2024 debut, this special performance delves into the timeless music of iconic composers like Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, and Strauss. Discover the stories behind famous operas such as "The Barber of Seville," "The Marriage of Figaro," "Gianni Schicchi," "Carmen," and "Die Fledermaus" as we demystify the drama and bring you laughter, surprises, and heartfelt moments.
Tickets start from $25 on FeverUp (Scan QR or click “Buy Tickets”).
All proceeds are donated to Christ Church of the Ascension.
Meet the Artists
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Chen Holtzman
Chen Holtzman is an Israeli-American Mezzo-Soprano. She started her professional opera career in high school, performing the role of Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart).
Among recently performed roles are Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus, Strauss), Nerone (L'incoronazione di Poppea, Monteverdi), and Madam Flora (The Medium, Menotti). In 2021-2022, Chen performed with the Meiter Opera Studio with the Israeli Opera.
Chen excels in American music and musical theater, performing roles that are common to her voice type and are best described as ‘Witches, Grinches, and Boys’.
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Christopher Wall
Chris is an Arizona native Tenor. He started his professional opera performance career at age 15 in New York City, where he performed the role of Dr. Cajus (Falstaff, Verdi).
Among recently performed roles are Alfred (Die Fledermaus, J. Strauss), Don Basilio (Le Nozze di Figaro, Mozart), and Tanzmeister (Ariadne auf Naxos, R. Strauss).
Chris’s expertise shines in German repertoire ranging from operettas to art songs. As a man of a hundred accents, Chris excels at and prefers singing comedic roles.
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Helen Hendricks
Helen Hendricks is an Arizona native Soprano. She enjoys performing the music of composers Strauss, Verdi, Donizetti, Mozart, and Massenet.
Among recently performed roles are Clarlario (Suor Angelica, Puccini), Soprano (Mass, Bernstein), and Fanny (Mystery Mansion Dinner Theatre).
Hendricks is well-versed in a variety of styles including Jazz, Pop, Rock, Musical Theatre, and Classical. Off-stage, Hendricks lives with her cat Mendelssohn and enjoys crocheting, reading, studying foreign languages, and sewing.
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Mauricio Perusquia
Mauricio Perusquia is a Baritone who studied in Texas and Arizona.
Among recently performed roles are Frank (Street Scene) and Simone (Gianni Schicchi, Puccini). Perusquia also participated in Trouble in Tahiti and Mass by Bernstein and new opera works such as Arizona Opera’s Silent Night and concert works such as Cipher.
Perusquia is well versed in singing comedic/charming roles in both opera and musical theater, and has done so many times while performing with the Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El Paso for which he is on the board of directors.
