New York opera star to appear in Wilmington Friday night

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Acclaimed New York soprano Nikoleta Rallis grew up in Wrightsville Beach. After attending Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, she moved to New York City in 2010 to study and expand her career.

For the past few years, Rallis has impressed audiences all over the world and in premiere venues in the United States with her beautiful voice.

She is equally at home with major operatic roles as well as music from the American theatre. Friday night, she brings her talent home to Wilmington's Thalian Hall.

"I am so excited, I am so excited to finally come back to my hometown to perform in concert," Rallis said.

And she is not coming home alone.  The concert at Thalian Hall will also feature international piano virtuoso Aza Sydykov.

Rallis and Sydykov have been in the area for the week getting ready for the Friday night event. While she is well known for her opera presentations, the concert will feature a variety of music.

Additionally, there will be a special guest on stage with Rallis Friday evening - her father, Michael Rallis.

Michael Rallis has been a physician in Burgaw for 36 years and has enjoyed the opportunity to be part of some major stage musicals and opera performances.

He is especially happy and excited to be included in Nikoleta's first concert in Wilmington.

"I have been blessed to have many opportunities to perform here in Wilmington and around the country with many great artists, but this little girl, we have seen here grow up here at the house," Michael Rallis said. "She is talented, pursued her career, worked hard and has become a fantastic singer and the time is right for us to come together and let Wilmington hear something spectacular."

Friday night's concert will begin at 7:30 in Thalian Hall.

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