AuthenticOpera Co.

08/03/2026

Opera singers... where y’all at?

AuthenticOpera Co. is growing! Based in Southwest Michigan, I’m looking for talented African American opera singers who are ready to get on stage.

If you’ve been looking for opportunities to perform, connect with other amazing artists, and make some beautiful music, this is it.

Fill out the interest form and let’s connect!

AuthenticOpera Co. offers performance and creative opportunities throughout the season. This page features current calls for singers, musicians, and other artistic roles. Artists at all stages of development are encouraged to explore the listings below and submit materials for any opportunity that f...

07/18/2026

Rufus, Jordan and me…

Detroit…

Where do you think we should go next?

07/04/2026

07/01/2026

Congratulations to Aslan Smith on his moving portrayal of John W. Fields in Tangled Roots.

A talented student at Battle Creek Lakeview High School, Aslan made his professional opera debut with grace, dedication, and heart. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

06/30/2026

Three artists.

One vision.

Countless stories brought to life.

Thank you, Rufus Ferguson, Jordan Hamilton, and Carmen Bell for creating Tangled Roots.

This is only the beginning.

06/23/2026

Tangled Roots Cast,
Jordan Hamilton, Rufus Ferguson, Travis Leon Williams, James Smith II, Aslan Smith, Ed Genesis, Sid Ellis, Xavier Bolden, Bianca Washington, Altamiece Cooper, and Bridget Banks

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for being part of this journey.

This project started as an idea. Like so many dreams we carry, it could have remained just that. Instead, because of your talent, commitment, and willingness to trust the vision, it became something real.

When I first imagined Tangled Roots, I hoped to create something that honored the voices and stories of those who came before us. What I could not have imagined was how beautifully each of you would bring those stories to life. You approached this work with professionalism, care, authenticity, and heart, and I am deeply grateful.

Thank you for sharing your gifts, your artistry, and your time. Thank you for helping transform words and music into an experience that touched our audience and created meaningful conversations in our community.

I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Seeing this work move from an idea in my heart to a performance on stage is something I will always cherish, and I could not have done it without you.

Thank you for believing in this project and for being part of Tangled Roots. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Carmen, aka Queenie Bell❤️🖤💚

06/23/2026

AuthenticOpera Co. and the cast of Tangled Roots: An Opera in One Act would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek communities for your incredible support.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared our event, encouraged us, volunteered, donated, and helped spread the word. Your support allowed us to bring these powerful stories to the stage and create a meaningful Juneteenth experience for our community.

We are especially grateful to our partners and sponsors, including the Kalamazoo College Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership, Gilmore Piano Festival, Face Off Theatre Company, Pink Ribbon Sisterhood , John and Bridget Banks, and Dalanna Robbson, whose generosity and belief in this work helped make this production possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for showing up, supporting local artists, and helping us honor these important stories. We are deeply grateful and look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

With gratitude,

AuthenticOpera Co. and the Cast of Tangled Roots ❤️🖤💚

Photos courtesy of the Battle Creek Enquirer.

06/23/2026

Thank you to the Battle Creek Enquirer for the coverage of our performance! 

Kalamazoo-based AuthenticOpera Company presents original production 'Tangled Roots' for Juneteenth.

06/20/2026

Thank you for an amazing performance!

06/18/2026

Come see our opera!

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