HGO’s Cory McGee Finds ‘Silver Lining’ in Study and Virtual Performance

Ashkan Roayaee
HGO’s Cory McGee Finds ‘Silver Lining’ in Study and Virtual Performance

BASS CORY MCGEE, 24, who's among the young artists featured in the new issue of Houston CityBook, joined Houston Grand Opera's HGO Studio this season after winning second place in the company's 32nd annual Concert of Arias competition.The Virginia native, who recently completed his master's at Rice's Shepherd School of Music, has remained busy this year, despite setbacks caused by the pandemic.


"The silver lining of it is that I have study work and a stable income right now," says McGee, who's performed virtually on the company's new digital platform. McGee, who started out playing the viola before "getting hooked on opera," will spend his summer as an apprentice artist at Santa Fe Opera, and will star as Billy in HGO's The Snowy Day, which will finally have its world premiere later this year.

McGee's new portrait and comments appear in the spring edition of CityBook, which is the magazine's fifth annual Music Issue. Queer hip-hop artist Nate Drop, swing fiddler Ellen Story, busy singer-guitarist Andy Mac, retro crooner Marley Moon, R&B standout Tia Gold and Tejano starlet Amanda Solis are also featured in the annual portfolio, photographed by Ashkan Roayaee, with styling by Todd Ramos and hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez.

Art + Entertainment
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

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Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

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Art + Entertainment

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

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