Annapolis Opera is marking the nation's 250th anniversary with a concert built around the voices of two active-duty military musicians, soprano Amy Broadbent and tenor Matthew Hill, who will headline a program of American composers on November 15 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. Broadbent and Hill both hold leadership posts within their respective service bands, and the afternoon is being framed as a musical survey of the country's history, cultural diversity and changing identity.
According to Eye On Annapolis, the performance arrives as Annapolis Opera marks its 54th year presenting professional opera productions, concerts and arts education programs throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The company describes the event on its own site as a chance to join “a special concert celebrating 250 years through American composers,” according to Annapolis Opera. The concert is set for Nov. 15 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, per a report from OperaWire.
Military Voices Take the Spotlight
Broadbent serves as associate conductor for the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, which Annapolis Opera identifies as the official chorus of the U.S. Navy. Her career has spanned both vocal performance and conducting, according to the same account from Eye On Annapolis. Hill, meanwhile, is the enlisted conductor and music director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, described as one of the Air Force's premier vocal ensembles, with a repertoire that includes opera, oratorio, art song and musical theater.
The two singers share another connection beyond their military roles: OperaWire notes that Broadbent and Hill are founding members of The Polyphonists, a professional vocal ensemble. That shared background suggests an established musical partnership heading into the Annapolis performance, though the specific pieces they will sing have not been detailed.
A Pianist Known for Mentoring Young Voices
Rounding out the afternoon's lineup is pianist Dr. Edward Rothmel, who Annapolis Opera says has worked extensively as a pianist, coach and conductor throughout the United States and abroad. The organization credits him with mentoring developing vocalists and helping them refine their musical interpretations, a skill set that aligns with Annapolis Opera's broader mission of introducing audiences to a wider range of vocal music beyond traditional opera staging.
Eye On Annapolis reports that the concert will explore music by American composers reflecting the nation's history, cultural diversity and changing identity, tying the program directly to the 250th anniversary theme. The full lineup of composers or specific works has not been published.
Limited Seating and Ticket Rules
Seating for the performance is limited, according to Eye On Annapolis, and tickets are available online. Annapolis Opera's event page spells out strict terms for those purchases: only tickets bought directly through the company are valid for admission, and the organization maintains a no-refund, no-exchange and no-resale policy, per Annapolis Opera.
The November 15 concert adds to a season built around Annapolis Opera's stated goal of presenting professional opera productions, concerts and arts education programs across the mid-Atlantic region. For audiences looking to hear American vocal music performed by artists who also serve in the nation's military bands, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis will be the place to be.
