Master Class with international opera star Marina Costa-Jackson
Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Time: 3:00-5:00pm ET
Where: Providence United Methodist Church
(2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211) - Rehearsal Auditorium
Cost: $25 regular / $10 student
All proceeds support the Opera Guild of Charlotte's Education fund, which provides scholarships for the Academy Chorus, Youth Academy students, and other promising young singers.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Join the Opera Guild of Charlotte for a special, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be an opera star today! Internationally-acclaimed soprano Marina Costa-Jackson - one of the most sought-after singers of her generation - leads a master class for Opera Carolina's Resident Artist singers, focusing on classic Italian operatic arias, in the intimate Rehearsal Auditorium at Providence United Methodist Church.
Ms. Costa-Jackson will perform the title role of Suor Angelica in Opera Carolina's double bill production of Puccini's Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi at the Belk Theater from January 16-18, 2026. Ms. Costa-Jackson is renown for her interpretations of opera's most beloved heroines, including the title role in Tosca, Mimì in La Bohème, the title role in Suor Angelica, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, Violetta in La Traviata, and Giuletta in Les Contes d'Hoffmann. Notable recent performances include her debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London, United Kingdom), as well as Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, and Tokyo's New National Theatre. Ms. Costa-Jackson is a Grand Finals Winner of the Metropolitan Opera's Laffont Competition (formerly National Council Auditions); she also received top honors and the Zarzuela Prize at Plácido Domingo's Operalia (The World Opera Competition) and the Maria Callas Award from The Dallas Opera.
At the end of the master class, Ms. Costa-Jackson will participate in a Q&A with the audience, where she will speak directly with members of the Opera Guild and guests about what it's like being a professional opera singer today, her approach to performing Puccini's operatic heroines - especially the role of Suor Angelica, what she's most looking forward to in Opera Carolina's upcoming production of Suor Angelica, and her ongoing support of the next generation of opera singers.
What is a master class?
A master class is a focused, hands-on learning experience in which emerging singers work directly with a distinguished opera professional -- often a leading singer, or occasionally a conductor or stage director - to refine their stylistic interpretation, musical approach, and stage presence. During the master class, each singer will present an operatic aria, and the master teacher will pause frequently to offer targeted feedback on topics such as breath support, diction, phrasing, stylistic choices, character development, and emotional connection to the text.
Audiences benefit as much as the singers by observing the artistic problem-solving process in real time. The master class provides insight into how professional singers think, practice, and make musical and dramatic decisions, revealing the detailed craftsmanship behind great performances.
Ultimately, an opera master class is both an educational and entertaining event for singers and audiences alike. Master classes are designed to inspire singers to grow artistically and build confidence, while helping audiences to deepen their understanding of and appreciation for the operatic art form.
