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Special Features

The Untold Story of Omar ibn Said in Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels’ ‘Omar’

https://operawire.com/the-untold-story-of-omar-ibn-said-in-rhiannon-giddens-and-michael-abels-omar/

The world of new opera is a fascinating place. Many new operas explore the end of time, making cake, or questionable life choices. But others cover historical moments and figures that should be explored. Composed by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels, their new opera “Omar” looks at the figure Omar ibn Said and his life as an enslaved Muslim in America. {…}

News

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Names Michael Tilson Thomas Distinguished Professor of Music

https://operawire.com/san-francisco-conservatory-of-music-names-michael-tilson-thomas-distinguished-professor-of-music/

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music has named conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas as the institution’s Distinguished Professor of Music. In his new position, Tilson Thomas will work individually with students, participate in readings with the SFCM orchestra, and conduct masterclasses. Tilson Thomas said, “I’m so looking forward to expanding my work with the next generation of musicians and {…}

News

Michael Spyres & Chevalier Lead New CD/DVD Releases

https://operawire.com/michael-spyres-chevalier-lead-new-cd-dvd-releases/

This week audiences will get a chance to hear a soundtrack from an anticipated film and the new album from one of the most interesting tenors in the industry. Ariadne auf Naxos Dynamic releases Strauss’ work in a production by Matthias Hartmann. The Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is led by Daniele Gatti and production from Florence stars Krassimira Stoyanova {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Artist & Entrepreneur – Tenor Michael Fabiano On His Debut Album & How He Overcame Failure To Create ArtSmart

https://operawire.com/artist-entrepreneur-tenor-michael-fabiano-on-his-debut-album-how-he-overcame-failure-to-create-artsmart/

For the last decade, Michael Fabiano has emerged as one of the greatest tenors on the planet, performing at the major opera houses around the globe in a myriad of repertoire. Along the way, he’s won many prestigious awards and continually showcased an ability to push the boundaries of his artistic abilities.  But in that same period that Fabiano has {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

San Francisco Opera 2023-24 Review: Omar

https://operawire.com/san-francisco-opera-2023-24-review-omar/

Omar is a man, forcibly taken from his home in West Africa in 1807, and brought through the Middle Passage to America. He is sold into slavery in South Carolina and treated with brutality. He maintains his Muslim faith and eventually while in captivity, writes his autobiography in Arabic. “Omar” is an opera created by MacArthur Fellowship recipient Rhiannon Giddens, {…}

News, Streaming

San Francisco Opera to Present ‘Omar’

https://operawire.com/san-francisco-opera-to-present-omar/

(Credit: Cory Weaver) The San Francisco Opera will present the Bay Area premiere of “Omar,” by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels. Director Kaneza Schaal will direct the opera and John Kennedy will conduct the opera with a cast that includes tenor Jamez McCorkle, Taylor Raven, Daniel Okulitch, Brittany Renee, Norman Garrett, Laura Krumm, Rehanna Thelwell, Barry Banks, Edward Graves, Calvin Griffin, and Kenneth Overton. “Omar” is inspired by the true {…}

News

CRB Classical 99.5 to Broadcast Boston Lyric Opera’s Production of ‘Omar’

https://operawire.com/wcrb-to-broadcast-boston-lyric-operas-production-of-omar/

CRB Classical 99.5 is set to broadcast the New England premiere of Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels’ “Omar.” The work, which had its local premiere back in May, will be broadcast on Sept. 10, 2023 starting at 7 p.m. The opera stars Jamez McCorkle, Cierra Byrd, Daniel Okulitch, Brianna J. Robinson, Emma Sorenson, Catherine Anne Daniel, Nicholas Lagesse, Fred C. {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

Francesco Meli, Elīna Garanča & Laura Strickling Lead New CD/DVD Releases

https://operawire.com/francesco-meli-elina-garanca-laura-strickling-lead-new-cd-dvd-releases/

This week audiences will get a chance to listen to a tribute album to one of the greatest sopranos in history, two new DVDs and a soundtrack to one of this year’s most acclaimed films. The Distances Between SOMM Recordings releases “The Distances Between,” the second volume of songs – including 17 first recordings – by Stephen Dodgson marking the {…}

Business, News

Los Angeles Master Chorale Announces Contract Extension for Grant Gershon

https://operawire.com/los-angeles-master-chorale-announces-contract-extension-for-grant-gershon/

The Los Angeles Master Chorale’s board of directors has announced the extension of Grant Gershon’s employment contract as artistic director through the 2027-2028 season. Gershon has led more than 250 concerts with the company, including premieres by such composers as Michael Abels, John Adams, Louis Andriessen, Eve Beglarian, Daniel Catán, Billy Childs, Reena Esmail, Gabriela Lena Frank, Ricky Ian Gordon, {…}