Opera rebounds in Baltimore

Opera Vivente, Chesapeake Chamber Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera and others fill cultural void

Chesapeake Chamber Opera: showcase for young singers from area and beyond; piano accompaniment. Sets and costumes added this season, which includes "Hansel and Gretel" next weekend, "Romeo et Juliette" in February at Memorial Episcopal Church. 410-929-2181; chesapeakechamberopera.org

The Figaro Project: showcase for recent grads and current students; piano accompaniment. In addition to cabaret shows at Germano's Restaurant, season includes world premiere of three one-act operas by local composers in a staged production at the University of Baltimore. No phone; thefigaroproject.com

Lyric Opera Baltimore: newly formed entity of the Modell Performing Arts Center to present large-scale productions at the Lyric Opera House. Expected to engage former Baltimore Opera Company chorus and orchestra. Debut season planned for 2010-2011. 410-685-5086; lyricoperahouse.com

Opera Vivente: produces fully staged works of standard and rare repertoire, all performed in English. Season-opening production of "Lucy of Lammermoor" closes next weekend, followed by "Rinaldo" and "The Will-o'-the-Wisps" at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 410-547-7997; operavivente.org

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