Under the artistic direction of Dr. Gregory Hopkins, The Harlem Opera Theater : 1) creates performance opportunities for professional and developing gifted artists within Harlem and communities where opera is seldom performed; and 2) cultivates and expands audience appreciation for opera and classical music through creative programming. Particular focus is given to the works of African-American composers and to projects that link different aspects of the performing arts. Each Fall, the Harlem Opera Theater conducts a vocal competition for 18 to 35 year-old classical singers. The Harlem Opera Festival will feature winners of the Harlem Opera Theater’s 2017 vocal competition.

A native of Richmond, Kentucky, Denisha Ballew holds a Masters from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Recently performed works include: Nkeiru Okoye’s, Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom (Harriet); and Akua Dixon’s, The Opera of Marie Laveau (Regina).

A native of Smithfield, Virginia, Baritone Adam Richardson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters from The Juilliard School. A recent career highlight includes his house debut with Opera Philadelphia as John Mack in Daniel Bernard Roumain’s We Shall Not Be Moved.

Carami Hilaire is a soulful soprano from Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of the Professional Studies program at the Mannes School of Music, she recently performed the role of Tosca with Regina Opera and will perform the role again in the fall with New Jersey Verismo Opera.

This graduate of Morgan State University is currently a graduate student at Manhattan School of Music. His recent career highlights include a performance with Frostburg Opera as King Balthazar in Amahl and The Night Visitors by Menotti, and premiering the role of Surnani in the operetta, Qadar by Tony Small.

One of the most recognized emerging music directors, James Davis Jr. has proven himself to be an artistic leader who captivates musicians, audiences, and communities with his deep passion for music. Well versed in classical, jazz, and contemporary music alike, James has supervised musical productions at Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Apollo Theater. For over six years, James has served as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church. He has also served as the Associate Music Director for Opera Ebony of New York for the past 3 years. A native of Winstonville, Mississippi, James is a 2004 cum laude graduate of Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA).