(Photo credit: Gene Smirnov) Opera Philadelphia is set to hold “Toi Toi Toi,” a fundraising event celebrating David B. Devan’s contributions to the company. Devan, the company’s General Director and President since 2011 has announced the end of his tenure. During his time leading Opera Philadelphia, the opera company has been described as “a hotbed of operatic innovation” by the {…}
(Photo credit: ©Kerry Hallihan, ©Rod Evans, ©Caitlin Odham ©Holli Egerstrom) The American Symphony Orchestra and the Bard Festival Chorale present Antonin Dvořák’s “Requiem,” Op. 89 on Jan. 25 at Carnegie Hall. Soprano Leah Hawkins, mezzo-soprano Lindsay Ammann, tenor Joshua Blue, and bass Stefan Egerstrom serve as soloists in one of the composer’s lesser-known choral works. They are joined by the Bard {…}
(Credit: Karen Almond / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to celebrate the holiday season with its production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” The company will present the work 13 times performances between December 8–30. The English-language adaptation runs under two hours and features a production by Tony Award–winning director Julie Taymor. Patrick Furrer and Gareth Morrell share conducting duties, {…}
Photo: Michael Bishop Houston Grand Opera’s season premiere, “Intelligence,” is not just another opera to take in – it’s an experience to be absorbed. It masterfully fulfills art’s big-picture role: sparking dialogues and bridging emotional divides, even when the discussions are challenging and the ties seem broken. This riveting work is realized through the collective genius of composer Jake Heggie, {…}
The Oratorio Society of New York, led by Music Director Kent Tritle, has released its lineup for its 2023-24 season and special concerts for the 150th Anniversary celebrations. The season kicks off with “Bach’s Magnificat and Mozart’s Requiem.” Joining the Orchestra of the Society as soloists are soprano Laquita Mitchell, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Eric Carey, and bass Adam Lau. {…}
The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced its 2024 season. The season opens with Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville“ conducted by Jonathan Brandani and directed by Eric Sean Fogel. The work will star Justin Austin, Hongni Wu, and Nathan Stark. Performance Dates: May 25-June 29, 2024 Joshua Blue, Katerina Burton, Thomas Glass, and Brittany Renee lead Puccini’s “La Bohème.” {…}
On May 15, 2023, the New York Festival of Song will host its annual spring gala, “Feelin’ Groovy: Songs from the 60s.” Held at the Racquet & Tennis Club on Park Avenue, the gala will support NYFOS’ 35th season. There will be a performance featuring special guest artists including Julie Benko of Broadway’s “Funny Girl,” jazz pianist Jason Yeager, tenors {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2023-24 season, which will feature a world premiere. Jamie Barton, Janai Brugger, J‘Nai Bridges, Caitlin Lynch, Nicholas Newton, Michael Mayes, and Joshua Blue star in Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Intelligence.” Kwamé Ryan conducts the production by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Performance Dates: Oct. 20-Nov. 3, 2024 Reginald Smith, Jr. sings the title role of Vedi’s “Falstaff” with Nicole Heaston, Blake {…}
This week audiences will get to hear the debut of one of opera’s brightest stars and a remastered classic. Black & Blue New York Festival of Song releases “Black & Blue,” the debut solo album of British-American tenor Joshua Blue on its in-house label NYFOS Records. The album was recorded at Big Orange Sheep in November 2022, and produced by {…}
The Oratorio Society of New York will perform its 148th performance of Handel’s Messiah in time for the holiday season. The performance, which is set for Dec. 19, 2022, will be performed at the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. This year’s performance includes soloists soprano Maria Brea, contralto Heather Petrie, tenor Joshua Blue, and baritone Jesse Blumberg, {…}
New Opera West (NOW) has announced dates for its animation, film, and opera experience. The event, featuring three short films, a live performance, and conversations with the creators, will take place at Hudson Guild Theater in Los Angeles on June 17 and 19, 2022. The films are “Pepito,” “Rain Will Come What May,” and “The Beginning of Everything: A Love {…}