Each year The Haydn Foundation schedules a short opera program consisting of three or four works, performed in theaters in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige. What makes it stand out from the usual opera season is its commitment to staging contemporary works. This year it is performing two new works, the first of which is “Lorit – A {…}
In 2015, Opera Colorado appointed its first-ever Music Director, Ari Pelto. For the last eight years, he has been widely celebrated with the company conducting a wide array of repertoire and bringing the company’s artistic powers to the fore. He has also been in demand at opera houses and concert halls throughout the United States at the Spoleto Festival, Lyric {…}
An emphasis on mental and physical wellness has become increasingly prevalent in modern day society. And yet in the arts, one might argue that there is still plenty to go before it becomes the norm in the day to day workings of its employment structures. Brian Festa is aiming to change all that. With his program at San Diego Opera, {…}
Called “one of the most promising stars on the 21st opera scene” by WQXR/Q2’s Olivia Giovetti, David T. Little has made his mark on the art form in quite a few ways. He has six operas to his name of his “Dog Days” was commissioned by Carnegie Hall and Beth Morrison Projects and has received performances not only at the {…}
Performances of Antonín Dvořák’s opera “The Jacobin” are certainly rare events, particularly outside the Czech Republic. Whether or not its neglect can be deemed deserved, however, is less certain. Its recent production by the Brno National Theatre, directed by Martin Glaser, would suggest that it has, indeed, been treated unfairly. Sure, it is full of folk melodies, dancing peasants, stock {…}
Since the age of 17, Sophia Lambton has engaged in a full-fledged career as a writer. The writer of the novel, “The Crooked Little Pieces,” she has been published as a music critic with her work appearing in such publications as Musical Opinion, The Guardian, Bachtrack, musicOMH, BroadwayWorld, BBC Music Magazine, and OperaWire. While embarking on numerous projects during that time, {…}
Pablo Escobar means different things to different people. For many, he’s the ultimate representation of the evil of drug cartels and of the druglord and crime at large. A terrorist. For those who defend his image, he’s hated because he’s the ultimate rags to riches story, a rebel who turned capitalism against its gatekeepers. For an entire generation of Colombians, {…}
Operas take years to compose as evidenced by some of the greatest works the art form has to offer. But in most cases, audiences don’t hear the opera until it’s finished. Peruvian composer Pauchi Sasaki is taking a different approach to opera creation. Over the last few years, Sasaki has been in the process of creating the multi-platform opera “ARTEMIS” {…}
Ah Young Hong, is a soprano who has collaborated with composer Michael Hersch on numerous pieces. She is a globally recognized concert and chamber soloist, and has collaborated with top-notch artists like violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and renowned orchestras such as the BBC Symphony. In the world of opera, she made waves with her New York premiere of Michael Hersch’s “On {…}
There’s no secret that when opera becomes a point of mainstream conversation, there is a perception of the art form and its industry as being insular. Even elitist. It’s a mindset and bias that the industry itself has sought to course correct in recent years with independent opera companies working to create more inclusive works by a diverse array of {…}
Back in 2016, Kirsten C. Kunkle and Sarah Van Sciver worked together for the first time. Kunkle performed as part of The Philadelphia Opera’s Collective, appearing in Van Sciver’s “Shadow House.” However, they never met in person. In fact, their only communication was via social media. But yet, they had a lasting impact on one another that would develop into {…}