The Christmas Night Opera Gala at Carnegie Hall as a delightful Christmas gift for music lovers

The Christmas Night Opera Gala will gather internationally recognized opera singers for a single holiday performance at Carnegie Hall on December 27, 2025.

The event brings together Asmik Grigorian, Thomas Hampson, Brian Jagde, Anita Monserrat, Sondra Radvanovsky, and Nadine Sierra with the American Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Francesco Lanzillotta. It also introduces the United States debut of producer Eugene Wintour Irverstag of Wintour Group International.

The gala has been announced as an evening centered on the richness of opera’s repertory. The program moves through overtures by Rossini and Thomas, followed by arias and duets from Puccini, Verdi, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Leoncavallo, and Bernstein. Each selection reflects musical traditions that have shaped generations of performers, and the evening’s curation places these works in the hands of singers closely associated with their expressive demands.

For visitors to Carnegie Hall, the evening represents an encounter with a group of performers whose careers span leading roles in major houses.

Asmik Grigorian steps into the program with a reputation for compelling dramatic presence anchored by vocal clarity.

Her participation provides a sense of artistic focus that defines her international performances. The gala positions her among peers whose work continues to expand the contemporary landscape of opera.

Thomas Hampson brings a long-established career that includes decades of collaborations with orchestras around the world.

His command of musical phrasing and character interpretation forms one of the central elements of the evening’s lineup. His presence offers continuity with traditions that have guided American and European audiences alike.

Brian Jagde contributes a tenor voice recognized for both lyric warmth and strength, qualities that have supported his work in major operatic roles.

His involvement adds robust energy to the gala, complementing the contrasting vocal colors presented throughout the evening.

Anita Monserrat appears as a rising artist whose performances have drawn attention for their poise and vocal balance.

Her place in the program highlights the gala’s intention to bring established performers together with artists whose careers are advancing quickly.

Sondra Radvanovsky enters the performance as an acclaimed soprano known for a repertory that spans some of opera’s most demanding works.

Her participation strengthens the program’s alignment with classical tradition while spotlighting the artistic identity she has shaped over many seasons.

Nadine Sierra, celebrated for her elegant tone and stage presence, adds another dimension to the evening’s vocal landscape.

Her artistry has been featured in prominent productions across the world, and her contribution offers a lyrical counterpoint within the gala’s structure.

The American Symphony Orchestra performs under the direction of Francesco Lanzillotta, whose conducting brings cohesion to a program that moves across stylistic periods.

His leadership provides a steady framework for the soloists, allowing each voice to emerge within the context of the orchestral sound.

Carnegie Hall serves as a natural setting for an evening of this scale. Its Stern Auditorium, known for acoustic refinement and architectural presence, has hosted generations of performers. The Christmas Night Opera Gala stands as the next chapter in that ongoing history.

The program will begin with orchestral selections performed by the American Symphony Orchestra before moving into solo arias and duets sung by the featured artists.

The repertory includes:

“In questa reggia,” a soprano aria from Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Turandot”;

“Song to the Moon,” a soprano aria from Antonín Dvořák’s opera “Rusalka”;

the Act III Duet from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin”;

“Bolero” from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “The Sicilian Vespers”;

“Caro nome”, an aria from Verdi’s opera Rigoletto;

“Candide: Glitter and Be Gay” a song from the operetta “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein,

“Vesti la giubba,” a tenor aria from Ruggero Leoncavallo’s opera Pagliacci;

and selections from Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci, Lakmé, and The Queen of Spades, among others.

The Flower Duet, Verdi and Mozart repertory, and multiple arias from Puccini ‘s operas will be performed throughout the evening.

As the American Symphony Orchestra supports each aria and duet, the connection between orchestra and soloist forms the central dynamic of the performance. Francesco Lanzillotta’s conducting reinforces this partnership.

The gala’s design reveals a careful balance of repertory intended to appeal to long-time opera lovers as well as visitors discovering new works. The accessibility of the program reflects a commitment to welcoming a broad audience.

The significance of this one-night-only performance lies in its unification of vocal excellence, orchestral precision, and thoughtful production. Each element combines to create an evening designed to honor the operatic tradition in a distinguished setting.

By Gilbert Castro | ENC News