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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A classically trained singer who describes herself as an "opera comedian" is bringing a cabaret concert to Old Town later this month, pairing operatic performance with storytelling, humor and audience engagement.
Chichi Enu will present Lessons in Joy, Self-Love & Silliness: A Cabaret Concert on Saturday, July 18, at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. A pre-concert reception begins at 6:45 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. and wrapping up by approximately 9 p.m. A post-concert reception with savory bites, wine and beer will follow, giving attendees a chance to meet the artists. The event is 18+ only, and cocktail or date-night attire is encouraged. No knowledge of opera or classical music is required.
Enu, who will be joined by collaborative pianist Dr. Jasmin Lee, said she designed the show specifically for people who are curious about opera and classical music but find it intimidating or inaccessible. Each song in the program is paired with a brief story connecting it to everyday life, with moments of audience interaction throughout. The program will include song summaries and translations of any non-English lyrics.
"This delightfully entertaining evening will transform your relationship with opera and classical music," Enu writes on her website. "You'll get to enjoy the soul-stirring beauty of the art form in a way that feels as welcoming and accessible as a jazz or pop show."
The evening will also include a photo booth during both receptions. Tickets are not sold at the door — the last day to purchase is Friday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Enu's path to opera was anything but traditional. After earning a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and practicing as an attorney, she returned to school and graduated with a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the University of Maryland at age 31. A Nigerian immigrant, she identifies as queer and neurodivergent, and describes her work as rooted in creating radically inclusive classical music experiences.
Her YouTube channel has accumulated more than 2 million views, and she founded Africans in Opera on Instagram, a platform highlighting African opera singers and classical musicians worldwide. She was also the inaugural recipient of the Town of Acton, Massachusetts's Untold Stories Public Art Grant and its first artist-in-residence.
The Lyceum has a parking lot, with metered street parking and garages available nearby. The venue is also accessible from the King Street-Old Town Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines, and features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restrooms.
Tickets are $86.13, with an early-bird discount bringing the price to $72.13 for purchases made by 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 10. Tickets are available at chichienu.com/buytickets.
