Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of Queen City art, music, food and ideas — and it’s scheduled to return later this year! So we’ve tapped our city’s creatives to help get us pumped for the festivities by highlighting the creativity that graces Charlotte all year long.

In this edition of our neighborhood performance series, “SHOUTing from the Rooftops,” Mezzo-soprano opera singer Jen Wiggins with Opera Carolina performs ‘When I am Laid in Earth’ from her open window. Thank you for your gorgeous voice, Jen!

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Here’s what Jen told us about her “SHOUTing from the Rooftops” performance:

“I chose ‘When I am Laid in Earth’ also know as “Dido’s Lament” by Henry Purcell because I feel like it correctly depicts what’s happening in the arts community and the uncertainty surrounding what’s next. I feel like we are mourning the life that we once knew and are unsure about what happens next. This is such a difficult time, and I feel pulled to describe how I, and I am sure many others, are feeling through the performance of this aria.”

She added: “It has been difficult for me to be productive in my art form since the closures and cancellations have completely changed the way of life for everyone. When I heard about this opportunity to share my voice with my community and I became energized once again, I started updating my social media, planning how to keep performing, and just keeping an overall positive attitude.”

“I know it’s hard, I know the road is uncertain, but as artists, we are all in this together and we must encourage each other to keep making art, even in small amounts. We can get through this, and will come out even stronger in the end.”

Sing a Few More Bars with Jennifer Wiggins

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The SHOUTing from the Rooftops series is produced by Charlotte is Creative in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners and Charlotte SHOUT!