The centerpiece of McDonald's performance will be Francis Poulenc's La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice). Poulenc's work, according to the Houston Grand Opera's official website, concerns a "jilted woman [who] strangles herself while talking to her lover on the telephone." The evening will also include a companion piece written by Michael John LaChiusa that concerns "the lighter side of love." Tony Award winner Ted Sperling will conduct McDonald's concerts, and Lonny Price will direct. McDonald is scheduled to play the Houston venue March 4, 7, 10, 16, 18 and 24 at 8 PM and March 12 and 26 at 2:30 PM.

A four-time Tony Award winner for her work in A Raisin in the Sun, Master Class, Carousel and Ragtime, Audra McDonald was also seen on Broadway in Henry IV. The singer-actress made her solo Carnegie Hall concert debut in an evening of songs scored for big bands, performing several tunes from her Nonesuch CD "Happy Songs." McDonald's other solo recordings, "Way Back to Paradise" and "How Glory Goes," are also on the Nonesuch label. The acclaimed actress also co-starred in the NBC series "Mister Sterling.”

Subscriptions to the Houston Grand Opera season will go on sale Aug. 1. Tickets for all performances will be available to the general public beginning Aug. 22. For more information visit www.houstongrandopera.org.