Details:
Opera duo, ACTE II, was suddenly launched into the national spotlight after delivering a captivating performance on NBC’s #1 summer show America’s Got Talent. Sopranos Olanna and Ashley Renée first met while studying voice performance at Dillard and later attended graduate school together at the University of Oklahoma. In 2012, ACTE II came about after Olanna Goudeau and Ashley Renée Watkins joined forces to raise money through concert work, to travel to Europe for singing opportunities. Their mission quickly changed from funding an audition tour to creating new and exciting programming that would allow them to connect with audiences near and far. The afro donning duo has quickly become known for pushing the boundaries of classical music with exciting and “connected” concerts. ACTE II’s programming, which has been described as “something close to perfection”, covers the gamut of vocal music with genres ranging from art songs, opera, musical theater, jazz, spirituals, gospel and popular music. Their versatile repertoire continues to push them towards their goal of becoming the world’s leading classical singing ensemble and providers of entertainment, music education and inspiration.