A Bridgerton Story - Alison Buchanan, Soprano

With the Ritz Chamber Players

Recently recognized for her appearance in the hit Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, British soprano Alison Buchanan captivated audiences with her portrayal of an operatic soprano in the episode Gardens in Bloom. Praised for her musical versatility, her luscious voice, and her ability to connect with audiences, Buchanan continues to build an illustrious career that spans both stage and screen.

The Ritz Chamber Players - Amplifying Voices, Expanding Audiences

The Ritz Chamber Players are redefining the classical music landscape by addressing the glaring lack of minority representation both on stage and in audiences. While African Americans constitute 13% of the U.S. population—and even more in many cultural hubs—their presence in classical music remains limited. We aim to dismantle the myth that Black audiences are disengaged unless they see themselves on stage and are committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces all people.

Since our founding in 2002, the Ritz Chamber Players have celebrated the exceptional talents of African American musicians. Our concert series not only showcases their brilliance but also provides a vivid testament to the richness and diversity of their artistry. Through vibrant outreach programs, we actively engage communities of color, fostering a deeper appreciation for classical music and the performing arts.

Our mission is as straightforward as it is profound: to make the performing arts accessible to everyone. We believe that creative expression and the transformative power of music should be available to all, transcending boundaries and uniting communities. Together, we are expanding audiences, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that the arts reflect the rich diversity of the world we live in.

Alison Buchanan

Recently recognized for her appearance in the hit Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, British soprano Alison Buchanan captivated audiences with her portrayal of an operatic soprano in the episode Gardens in Bloom. Praised for her musical versatility, her luscious voice, and her ability to connect with audiences, Buchanan continues to build an illustrious career that spans both stage and screen.

A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music in London and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, Alison has won prestigious competitions, including the Kathleen Ferrier, Luciano Pavarotti, Washington International, and Maggie Teyte awards. Her career has seen her collaborate with world-renowned opera houses and orchestras.

Alison made her operatic debut as Mimi in La Bohème with the San Francisco Opera and sang Nedda in I Pagliacci with L.A. Opera under the direction of Placido Domingo and Franco Zeffirelli. She has performed leading roles with New York City Opera, including Bess in Porgy and Bess and Elvira in Don Giovanni, and has appeared with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Michigan Opera, and Wexford Opera. Her collaborations with esteemed conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Colin Davis, Donald Runnicles, and David Robertson have seen her grace the stages of prestigious orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC Symphony, and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Buchanan’s recent performances highlight her dynamic artistry. She joined Marin Alsop and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra in Brazil, performed Porgy and Bess with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and took on the role of Janthe in Der Vampyr at Carnegie Hall with the American Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she has given recitals in St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Jacksonville, and performed at National Sawdust in Brooklyn.

Her recording of the songs of Dr. George Walker, accompanied by the composer, was released on Albany Records to critical acclaim. Buchanan also performed Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 at the Kennedy Center with the Apollo Orchestra and joined members of the Boston Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and Atlanta Symphony at the Classical Pops Festival in Barbados.

With her recent foray into television and an impressive record of operatic and concert performances, Alison Buchanan continues to enchant audiences worldwide.