Johnathan McCullough & Christopher Allen Announces Formation of Fourth Wall Ensemble

Executive Director Johnathan McCullough and Artistic and Creative Director Christopher Allen have announced the formation of “Fourth Wall Ensemble,” a 12-person vocal group “committed to the transformative power of storytelling through sound and movement.” Per an official press release, the group is founded on four core tenets: “A focus on creating an environment that fosters inclusivity; pay above the standard {…}

Opéra de Montréal Presents ‘Emily’ With Atelier lyrique

Members of Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal will present Christopher Allen and Johnathan McCullough’s new concert titled “Emily.” Allen and McCullough put together a theatrical production of Aaron Copland and Ricky Ian Gordon’s music set to poems by Emily Dickinson. Atelier lyrique’s sopranos Karoline Podolak, Lucie St-Martin, and Emma Fekete, mezzo-soprano Martina Myskohlid, and tenor Angelo Moretti take the stage {…}

Arizona Opera 2019-20 Review: La Bohème

In Phoenix on January 24, 2020, Arizona Opera presented Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica, and Giuseppe Giacosa’s popular opera “La Bohème.” Illica and Giacosa wrote the opera’s libretto and I agree with modern writers that librettists deserve as much credit as composers. When the curtain opened, Stage Director Paul and Scenic Designer Peter Dean Beck gave us a two-level garret that would return for the last act. In it he did not use what I guess was merely a sleeping loft on the upper level. This construction is actually part of a most effective unit set that formed the second act hillside street, and the third act gate. 

Cincinnati Opera Conductor Christopher Allen Wins The Georg Solti Conducting Award

Christopher Allen has won the Solti Conducting award. Penny Van Horn, Board Chair of The Solti Foundation U.S. and Elizabeth Buccheri, Artistic and Awards Committee Chair, announced that the Foundation’s eighth grant would be awarded to Allen, the Resident Conductor for Cincinnati Opera. “We are most pleased to announce Christopher Allen will receive this year’s Solti Conducting Award,” stated Ms. {…}