 August 25, 2025, Portland, OR -- This Thursday, August 28 at 3:00 pm Pacific, New Wave Opera returns to All Classical Radio for Thursdays @ Three to perform previews of Atoms & Artifacts! Our artists will perform excerpts from two operas: Marie Curie Learns to Swim, about Madame Curie and her daughter and research partner, Irene, and Alice Tierney, about a team of graduate students attempting to unearth the truth about an 1880’s murder victim. Plus, Stage Director Jeffrey Puukka and Music Director Dr. Stephen Lewis will share their artistic vision for the operas with Thursdays @ Three host Christa Wessel! Tickets for the in-studio performance are sold out (you can join the waitlist here), so mark your calendar to listen online or tune your radio dial to 89.9 FM in the Portland Metro area. Can’t tune in live? Listen to the archived episode for two weeks following each broadcast. New Wave Opera artists Amanda Rose Taddeo, Lindsey Rae Johnson, Henriet Fourie, and Scot Crandal in rehearsal for Atoms & Artifacts. At a GlanceWHAT: New Wave Opera performs live on Thursdays @ Three WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 3-4 pm Pacific WHERE: Broadcast locally on 89.9 FM in the Portland Metro area & streaming online. Audio archive available online for 2 weeks. REPERTOIRE: Marie Curie Learns to Swim (excerpts) Jessica Rudman, composer Kendra Preston Leonard, librettist and Alice Tierney (excerpts) Melissa Dunphy, composer Jacqueline Goldfinger, librettist used by arrangement with Mormolyke Press Atoms & Artifacts Tickets are On Sale Now!
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 Herstory performers (back row): Dan Gibs, Stephen Lewis, Sequoia, Alishia Garcia, Scot Crandal, (middle row): Lindsey Rae Johnson, Nicole Hanig, and (front row): Amanda Rose Taddeo. Photo by Drew Swatosh. August 17, 2025, Portland, OR - New Wave Opera shines at Show Bar at their performance of HERSTORY, an evening of music celebrating the brilliance of women past and present! Audiences loved experiencing this music in the chill atmosphere of Revolution Hall's Show Bar, sipping delicious cocktails and snacking on food from their fantastic menu. New Wave Opera previewed selections from Alice Tierney by Melissa Dunphy and Jacqueline Goldfinger and Marie Curie Learns to Swim by Jessica Rudman and Kendra Preston Leonard, which New Wave Opera will perform in full next month on our show Atoms & Artifacts. Plus, we shared music by living composers from Portland and beyond! Featured on the program were Portland composers Barbara Uhman, Dianne Davies, Theresa Koon, Lisa Neher, and Caroline Louise Miller. The performers are all artists featured in Atoms & Artifacts: sopranos Lindsey Rae Johnson, Nicole Hanig, Amanda Rose Taddeo and Henriet Fourie, mezzos Lisa Neher and Alishia Garcia, tenor Scot Crandal, and baritone Dan Gibbs, plus pianists Stephen Lewis (who will music direct Marie Curie Learns to Swim) and Sequoia (who will perform piano on both operas). Thanks to Revolution Hall, Lisa Lipton, and Drew Swatosh for their support of this event! Singers Alishia Garcia, mezzo, Lisa Neher, mezzo, and Amanda Rose Taddeo, soprano.
Photos by Drew Swatosh. New Wave Opera to perform West Coast Premieres of operas about perceptions & experiences of historical women.  August 4, 2025 – Portland, OR: New Wave Opera (NWO) presents Atoms & Artifacts, an exploration of the perceptions & experiences of historical women. This production features the west coast premieres of two 60-minute operas: Marie Curie Learns to Swim, complete with chamber ensemble, by Jessica Rudman & Kendra Preston Leonard and Alice Tierney by Melissa Dunphy & Jacqueline Goldfinger. In Marie Curie Learns to Swim, famous scientist Madame Curie and her daughter and research partner, Irène, take a vacation to the sea. Irène longs for rest, internally struggling with her fears about the radium they are using in their research, while Marie feels the urgency to return to her lab and continue her groundbreaking scientific discoveries. New Wave Opera is proud to perform Marie Curie Learns to Swim in its complete orchestration with chamber ensemble, conducted by Dr. Stephen Lewis! “As the music director, being in charge of the flow of the opera's performance is electric,” shares Lewis. “I’m not just following my own musical vision, but realizing the combined intentions of everyone involved.” “If you can name one female scientist, it’s probably Marie Curie,” adds New Wave Opera President Lisa Neher. “Her achievements are legendary—but who was she as a person? How did she pursue research when women were barred from science, and what did that persistence cost her?” In Alice Tierney, a team of archeology graduate students excavate the home of 1800's murder victim Alice Tierney. With little evidence to go on, each posits their own theory about who Alice was, and through the magic of opera, their versions of Alice come to life on the stage. But who was the real Alice? How do we sort out fact from fiction? How do our own experiences color the narratives we impose on history? “Melissa Dunphy uses her creative voice in deeply personal and powerful ways,” shares stage director Brandon Michael. “She is an important figure in the future of the operatic art form, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this piece to our Portland audiences.” “Audiences will love Alice Tierney’s grad student characters—their casual speech and real struggles with dissertations, job searches, leaving home, and endearingly messy relationships,” says New Wave Opera Vice President Lindsey Rae Johnson. Atoms & Artifacts will be performed in English with supertitles. Sunday’s performance will have ASL interpretation, thanks to generous support from RACC. Atoms & Artifacts is generously supported by the University of Portland, Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC), the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT), the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, and the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. To learn more about this show and more from the upcoming season, visit NEWWAVEOPERA.ORG. Event SummaryWHAT: Atoms & Artifacts WHEN: Friday, September 19, 7:30 pm, Saturday, September 20, 7:30 pm, & Sunday, September 21, 2:00 pm (Includes ASL Interpretation WHERE: Mago Hunt Recital Hall | University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd | Portland, OR | 97203 TICKETS: newwaveopera.org/atomsartifacts COST: $40 General Admission, $20 Seniors/Veterans/Artists, $15 Students, $5 Arts for All, Free Admission for University of Portland Students/Faculty/Staff with ID RUN TIME: Approx. 2 hrs 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission AGES: Recommended for audiences 13 and up. Content includes short comedic profanity and brief mention of sex work For Media Inquiries, Contact Lisa Neher, President, New Wave Opera Atoms & Artifacts Cast & Creative Team
New Wave Opera to perform hERSTORy: feminist arias & ensembles at Revolution Hall’s Show Bar8/2/2025  August 1, 2025 – Portland, OR: New Wave Opera (NWO) heads to Show Bar at Revolution Hall, a community hub with a casual vibe and creative pulse, for Herstory, an evening of music inspired by the strength and brilliance of women, past and present! Audiences can enjoy a signature Show Bar cocktail, glass of wine, or pint of beer with dinner or appetizers from their mouth-watering menu while enjoying dramatic, poignant, and funny arias, art songs, and ensembles on themes of feminism, queer love, motherhood, and persistence in the face of adversity. The program highlights work by local women & LGBTQ+ composers Theresa Koon, Dianne Davies, Lisa Neher, Barbara Ulman, and Caroline Louise Miller alongside mainstay composers of vocal music Libby Larsen & William Bolcom, and Jodi Goble (winner of the 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing Art Song Composition Award). “Modern compositions give voice to fuller, more authentic experiences of women and LGBTQ+ communities—unlike much of the standard repertoire, which often leans on outdated stereotypes,” says New Wave Opera President and Resident Mezzo Lisa Neher. “At New Wave Opera, we’re passionate about programming living composers because their work reflects the depth and diversity of real lives.” New Wave Opera will also preview selections from September’s upcoming Atoms & Artifacts production, which is a double bill of two west coast premieres: Marie Curie Learns to Swim by Jessica Rudman and Kendra Preston Leonard and Alice Tierney by Melissa Dunphy & Jacqueline Goldfinger. “Show Bar is the perfect venue to explore opera in a low-key, casual environment,” shares NWO Board Member and stage director for Alice Tierney, Brandon Michael. “If you’re a first-time attendee or opera-curious, you can engage at your own pace and you’ll be welcomed with friendly faces from the music community.” Herstory features the cast & pianists for Atoms & Artifacts, an array of Portland’s finest talent: sopranos Lindsey Rae Johnson, Henriët Fourie, Nicole Hanig, & Amanda Rose Taddeo, mezzos Lisa Neher & Alishia Garcia, tenor Scot Crandal, and baritone Dan Gibbs, with pianists Stephen Lewis & Sequoia on the keys. Audiences can get to know the performers they will see on stage in September. No registration is required for this event, just show up anytime between 8-10 pm to hear some great music and enjoy a delicious beverage, dinner, or an appetizer. To learn more about this show and more from the upcoming season, visit NEWWAVEOPERA.ORG. EVENT SUMMARYWhat: Herstory When: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 8 pm - Late Where: Show Bar at Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St #101 | Portland, OR 97214 Tickets: No Registration Required Cost: $10 Cover at the Door For Media Inquiries, Contact Lisa Neher, President, New Wave Opera
Herstory Performers Lindsey Rae Johnson, Henriët Fourie, Nicole Hanig, & Amanda Rose Taddeo, Sopranos Lisa Neher & Alishia Garcia, Mezzo-Sopranos Scot Crandal, Tenor Dan Gibbs, Baritone Stephen Lewis & Sequoia, Piano August 1, 2025, Portland, OR -- Rehearsals for New Wave Opera's fall double bill, Atoms & Artifacts are underway! This program, which will feature the west coast premieres of two 60-minute operas about the lives and perceptions of historical women, has an all-star cast of Portland vocal and instrumental talent! In Marie Curie Learns to Swim, music by Jessica Rudman and libretto by Kendra Preston Leonard, Madame Curie and her daughter and research partner Irène take a seaside vacation. Irène longs for rest and worries about the health impacts of their work with radium, but her mother's drive to continue her research is all that is on Marie's mind. In Alice Tierney, music by Melissa Dunphy, libretto by Jacqueline Goldfinger, produced through arrangement with Mormolyke Press, a team of graduate students work to unearth details of the life of an 1800s murder victim. Each researcher posits a theory, but where is their evidence? Are they letting their own life experiences color their ideas about who Alice was?
Atoms & Artifacts runs September 19-21 at the Mago Hunt Center in Portland, Oregon. Tickets are on sale now! Atoms & Artifacts is generously supported by the University of Portland, Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC), the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT), the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, and the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation.  July 25, 2026, Portland, OR -- New Wave Opera raises over $1300 in our summer Silent Auction, thanks to the generosity of our community! The funds will support NWO's fall production, Atoms & Artifacts.
"Thank you to everyone who placed a bid on our auction," says New Wave Opera President Lisa Neher. "These funds pay for essential personnel and supplies that bring these operas to life, including: singers, instrumentalists, and artistic staff, costumes, props, & set elements, and score purchases and royalty payments to our living composers & librettists. We cannot make this art happen without you!" "Congratulations to the winners of these amazing packages and experiences," adds Vice-President Lindsey Rae Johnson. "New Wave Opera was fortunate enough to be supported by 20 local organizations and individuals who donated everything from concert tickets to handcrafted quilts to wine tastings and more. We truly feel the support of the Willamette Valley Community!" A HUGE thank you to our Silent Auction Donors: Bottle & Bottega Portland Cappella Romana Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland Delgani String Quartet Helium Comedy Club - Portland Helvetia Vineyards and Winery KingPins Portland Lisa Neher Live Wire Radio Lolati Wines Michaeleen Neher The Oaks Amusement Park Oregon Historical Society Oregon Repertory Singers Oregon Symphony Vanguard Brewing Yo' Daddy's Soap Company ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria July 10, 2025, Portland, OR - 20 Local Arts & Entertainment organizations have come together in support of New Wave Opera! On Thursday, July 10 through Sunday July 20, New Wave Opera will be holding an online auction in support of our fall mainstage production Atoms & Artifacts – all featuring items from local arts & entertainment organizations, restaurants, individual artists, and more! Concert tickets for sure-to-sell-out shows, beautiful handmade goods, family-friendly experiences, and several **mystery prizes** are on offer.
Not sure what you want? Check out our mystery bundles for something special we’ve set aside! A HUGE Thank You to our Summer 2025 Silent Auction Donors: June 13, 2025 - Portland, OR - Join New Wave Opera for our annual outdoor concert & fundraiser: Summer Splash! This all-ages backyard concert features tuneful opera arias, duets, and art songs by living composers, some of whom live in your own backyard! Hosted by renowned Portland Soprano and Voice Teacher Susan McBerry at her Periwinkle Studio, enjoy snacks & drinks of the adult & child-friendly variety while being entertained by NWO’s all-star cast! Last year’s event was standing room only, so save your seats now! The performance will feature exclusive previews of our September double bill of Marie Curie Learns to Swim by Jessica Rudman & Kendra Preston Leonard, sung by mezzo-soprano Alishia Garcia, who will play Young Marie Curie; and Alice Tierney by Melissa Dunphy & Jacqueline Goldfinger, sung by mezzo-soprano Lisa Neher, who will play archeologist Zandra, and soprano Lindsey Rae Johnson, who will play Alice 2. Audience favorite Stephen Lewis returns to the New Wave Opera stage to play piano. In addition, audiences will enjoy uplifting and tuneful music by Portland's own Carolyn Quick & Lisa Neher and nationally recognized composers Monica Chew, Danielle Jagelksi, Emerson Eads, Libby Larsen, Jake Heggie, Jodi Goble, and Michael Ching and poetry by Carolyn Quick, Sarah Teasdale, Caitlin Vincent, Philip Littell, & Robert Creeley. "Our summer & fall 2025 season especially emphasizes the contributions of women composers," says New Wave Opera President Lisa Neher. "We are particularly excited to program music of local rockstar composers Carolyn Quick & Danielle Jagelski, paired with leading composers of the generation before such as Libby Larsen and Jake Heggie. With topics ranging from the sleepless nights of a new mother to a jazzy retelling of Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden, there is something for everyone on this program!" To learn more about the artists on this program, click on the images above. Food & drinks of the adult and child-friendly variety will be served. Seating is limited, reserve your seats in advance by visiting our RSVP Page. To learn more about this show and more from the upcoming season, visit NEWWAVEOPERA.ORG. *What drives an archeologist to spend days and days digging in the dirt? *How does a chemist push through illness and professional obstacles to make world changing discoveries? *And just what *is* a siren to do when her sisters eat her boyfriend for dinner? Find out at Summer Splash! Join New Wave Opera for Summer Splash!WHAT: Summer Splash Outdoor Concert & Fundraiser with food & drinks for all!
WHEN: Saturday July 12, 7:30-8:45 pm. Doors Open at 7:00 pm WHERE: Backyard Concert in Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood, address provided upon registration TICKETS: Reserve Your Seats in Advance, Seating is Limited! COST: Suggested $35 donation, payable when you reserve your seats or at the door  NWO Artists Timothy Lafolette, Lindsey Rae Johnson, Jena Slater, and Stephen Lewis backstage at the Reser Center June 8, 2025, Beaverton, OR - New Wave Opera shines with entertaining and light-hearted operatic excerpts at the Patricia Reser Center's Shine the Light!
On Saturday, June 7, NWO performed audience favorites from contemporary operas for an audience of families of all ages. The performance, part of the Reser Centers Shine the Light Community Celebration, shared excerpts of Pepito (Nicolás Lell Benavides & Marella Martin Koch), in which a lonely shelter dog finally finds a forever home with Camilla, Meow & Forever, (Jodi Goble & Basil Considine), in which two bored cats lament the struggles of their life, and a preview of New Wave Opera's fall performance of Marie Curie Learns to Swim (Jessica Rudman & Kendra Preston Leonard), in which Madame Curie's daughter Irene wonders how to tell her mother about her growing concerns about the radium in their research. Plus, the artists performed NWO resident composer Lisa Neher's How Doth the Little Crocodile? a sly and playful setting of Lewis Carroll about a crocodile that lures fish into its smiling jaws! The music was brought to life by New Wave Opera board members and resident artists Lindsey Rae Johnson, soprano, and Stephen Lewis, piano, joined by guest artists Timothy Lafolette, baritone, and Jena Slater, mezzo-soprano. Over 600 people attended the Shine the Light at the Beaverton, Oregon Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, enjoying New Wave Opera's performance alongside music, theater, and dance performances! Thank you to the Patricia Reser Center for hosting us! April 28, 2025 - Portland, OR - New Wave Opera announces their summer and fall 2025 season of female-forward programming, including the west coast premieres of operas written by women about how women are perceived in history.  Coming up first: NWO’s annual SUMMER SPLASH outdoor concert and fundraiser on July 12 at 7:30 pm. Hosted by renowned soprano and voice teacher Susan McBerry in a causal backyard venue, this all-ages concert features opera arias and duets, accompanied by delicious food & drinks. The performance will include previews of our fall production as well as selections by local composers such as Carolyn Quick. Hosted in a cozy West Moreland neighborhood, last year’s event was standing room only, so don’t delay—reserve those seats!
Next, New Wave Opera returns to Portland’s classical music hotspot, Mendelssohns, for HERSTORY, an evening of music inspired by the strength and brilliance of women, past and present! This female-forward program shares excerpts from our fall double bill Atoms & Artifacts by members of the cast, including sopranos Henriët Fourie & Lindsey Johnson and mezzos Lisa Neher & Alishia Garcia. Our fall mainstage show, ATOMS & ARTIFACTS, is an exploration of the perceptions and experiences of historical women. This production features the west coast premieres of two 60-minute operas: Marie Curie Learns to Swim by Jessica Rudman & Kendra Preston Leonard and Alice Tierney by Melissa Dunphy & Jacqueline Goldfinger. The production will take place at the Mago Hunt Recital Hall on the University of Portland Campus. In Marie Curie Learns to Swim, famous scientist Madame Curie and her daughter and research partner Irène take a vacation to the sea. Irène longs for rest, internally struggling with her fears about the radium they are using in their research, while Marie feels the urgency to return to her lab and continue her groundbreaking scientific discoveries. New Wave Opera is proud to perform Marie Curie Learns to Swim in its complete orchestration with chamber ensemble, conducted by Dr. Stephen Lewis! This will be our first production with chamber ensemble and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share the expressive and evocative colors of Rudman’s orchestration with you. In Alice Tierney (Winner, 2020 OPERA America Discovery Grant), a team of archeology graduate students excavate the home of 1800's murder victim Alice Tierney. With little evidence to go on, each posits their own theory about who Alice was, and through the magic of opera, their versions of Alice come to life on the stage. But who was the real Alice? How do we sort out fact from fiction? How do our own experiences color the narratives we impose on history?
ATOMS & ARTIFACTS is generously sponsored by the University of Portland, Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC), and the Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT). Mark your calendars for Summer Splash, Herstory, and Atoms & Artifacts! We look forward to seeing you at the opera! |
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