Seattle Opera’s Carmen headlines this week on Classical KING, alongside local performances celebrating American music, contemporary opera, Pride Month, and Indigenous artistic voices.

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Seattle Opera: Carmen

Saturday, June 13 | 10am

Host: James Robinson
Intermission Interview: Maggie Molloy & J’Nai Bridges

Let Classical KING bring the opera house to wherever you are with Seattle Opera’s production of Bizet’s Carmen. Recorded last month at McCaw Hall, this classic opera stars Tacoma native J’Nai Bridges in the title role. Set in 19th-century Spain, Carmen follows the fateful relationship between the fiercely independent Carmen and the lovesick soldier Don José in one of opera’s most enduring dramas.

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Northwest Focus Concert Calendar  

Find local concerts in your community at: https://classicalking.org/nw-focus-concert-calendar  

Rain City Symphony: Sibelius, Shulman, Hovhaness

Wednesday, June 10 | 7:30pm | First Free Methodist Church, Seattle

Rain City Symphony presents an evening of orchestral music spanning more than a century, featuring works by Jean Sibelius, Alan Shulman, and Alan Hovhaness. Conducted by Teresa Metzger Howe and featuring violist Kai Slesarev-Nogami, the program includes Sibelius’ Karelia Overture, Shulman’s Theme and Variations for Viola and Orchestra, and Hovhaness’ Symphony No. 2, Mysterious Mountain. This free concert highlights the rich variety of late 19th- and 20th-century orchestral music while reflecting Rain City Symphony’s long-standing commitment to accessible classical performances in the Puget Sound region.

Lowbrow Opera Collective:Sally Ride

Thursday, June 11 – Saturday, June 13 | 7:30pm | Theatre Off Jackson, Seattle

Discover the remarkable story of astronaut Sally Ride in the world premiere of a new opera by Seattle’s Lowbrow Opera Collective. Sally Ride follows the life of the first American woman—and the first LGBTQ+ person—to travel to space, exploring both her groundbreaking achievements and lesser-known personal story. Created by composer Dana Kaufman, librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp, and director Eliza K. Woodyard, the production blends history, science, and storytelling in a fresh contemporary work. Narrated by Sally Ride’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, this final weekend of performances celebrates a pioneering figure whose impact continues to inspire.

STANCE: What Trans Joy Sounds Like

Friday, June 12 | 7pm | University Congregational United Church of Christ, Seattle

Join the Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble (STANCE) for What Trans Joy Sounds Like, a Pride concert celebrating community, self-expression, and the power of singing together. Blending contemporary choral music with pop, Broadway, and new works, the program explores joy through a diverse collection of voices and musical styles. Led by conductor Cee Adamson, STANCE performs music by composers including Christopher H. Harris, Timothy Takach, Giselle Wyers, and Ēriks Ešenvalds, reflecting the ensemble’s commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming space for trans and nonbinary singers.

Ensign Symphony & Chorus: Americana!

Friday, June 12 | 7:30pm | Benaroya Hall, Seattle

Celebrate America’s musical heritage as Ensign Symphony & Chorus presents Americana!, a season finale featuring works by American composers and traditions. The program includes early American hymns and spirituals, selections from The Music Man, and Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring, performed by choir and orchestra alongside guest barbershop chorus Northwest Sound. Bringing together classical, folk, sacred, and theatrical influences, this concert highlights the diverse musical styles that have shaped the American sound.

The Music of Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate

Friday, June 12 | 9pm | Octave 9 at Benaroya Hall, Seattle

Experience an immersive evening celebrating the music of Chickasaw composer and pianist Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, whose work blends Native American culture with contemporary classical music. Presented at Octave 9, the program features chamber music inspired in part by the tribes of the Pacific Northwest, alongside nature photography, visual art, and narration from the composer himself. Through music, storytelling, and multimedia elements, this unique event offers a powerful exploration of Indigenous voices, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.

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The Score with Edmund Stone  

Shot on Location at UNESCO Sites

Saturday, June 13 | 4pm  

They are places of “outstanding universal value”, examples of human genius, cultural traditions, or superlative natural phenomena or beauty: UNESCO World Heritage sites. This Saturday, Edmund Stone visits some of the world’s most spectacular locations with the music of films shot at UNESCO sites. From the glorious Taj Mahal in Slumdog Millionaire to the breath-taking Antelope Canyon in The Tree of Life, and the Galapagos Islands in Master and Commander. 

Must-See List, Part 4: Think Differently

Sunday, June 14 | 4pm  

Part Four of Edmund Stone’s celebration of 20 years of The Score is a show filled with must-see films that are thought provoking gems. From Interstellar to Inception, An Inconvenient Truth to Arrival and Everything Everywhere All at Once, these are movies that will spark conversation and make you think. You just might not see things the same way ever again. This Sunday on The Score. 

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Stay inspired and enjoy another week of incredible music on Classical KING!