Q & A: Maria Todaro on Her New Productions of ‘The Anonymous Lover’ & Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Photo Credit: Tania Barricklo Multi-talented opera director, fight choreographer, composer, singer, and conductor Maria Todaro spoke with OperaWire about revising the recent productions of “The Anonymous Lover” and her ‘love affair’ with the composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. In 2022 Todaro staged “The Anonymous Lover” for Minnesota Opera. Paying homage to Bologne, she set the opera in 18th century {…}

Feb 22, 2022

Humanitarian First, Singer Second: Nigerian-Born Soprano Abiodun Koya on Her Multi-Faceted Career

Soprano Abiodun Koya is about as multifaceted as a person can get: opera singer, poet, fashion designer, model, activist, and humanitarian, to name a few. But the title she’s most proud of? Humanitarian. The soprano is living out that purpose, singing in front of and meeting people who can effect positive change and help forward her foundation’s goals. The Abiodun {…}

Feb 23, 2020

Word Search: Find the First Names of these Historic & Renowned Black Opera Stars

As Black History Month 2020 draws to a close, we take a look at some of the great black artists of the past and present for our latest word search. Instructions: You are free to solve the word search directly on your mobile or desktop device; just click the first and last letter of each word for it to appear {…}

Feb 22, 2020

Opera Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Historic Career of Marian Anderson?

Marian Anderson, born on Feb. 27, 1897, will forever be remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of opera. To commemorate the contralto’s birthday and what she means as a part of Black History Month, here is a quiz that tests you on her career exploits. As always, have fun.

Feb 13, 2020

Houston Grand Opera to World Premiere ‘Marian’s Song’

(Credit: Lynn Lane) The Houston Grand Opera is set to showcase the 68th world premiere in company history when it opens “Marian’s Song” on March 5 and 6, 2020 at the Cullenter of the Wortham Theater Center. The opera, which is written by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and composed by Damien Sneed, is based on the life of the legendary opera {…}

Feb 27, 2017

Black History Month 2017: Remembering The Two Iconic Artistic Coups in Marian Anderson’s Illustrious Career

The final days of Black History Month coincide with the birthday of one of the great black singers in the history of opera, quite possibly the most important. While Leontyne Price belongs in the pantheon of the world’s greatest singers and is quite possibly the most famous ever, Marian Anderson, born on Feb. 27, 1897, was the one that allowed {…}

Feb 13, 2017

Black History Month 2017 Part 3: Historical Black Singers That Changed the Opera World

For the past two weeks we have honored the black singers making strides in today’s diverse opera world. But unfortunately, as has been the case in many social situations, the opera world was not always that diverse and the black community was not always a lock for representation on the biggest stages. But throughout the years major operatic pioneers manage {…}

Feb 7, 2017

Black History Month 2017 Part 2 – Exploring More Black Singers Making Opera Waves Right Now

In our first article on black history month we took a look at the opera stars making their mark in the biggest of ways, the singing actors taking headlines at the biggest houses in the world. As we continue to celebrate black history month OperaWire will recognize other black singers making waves in the opera world, many of them rising {…}

Feb 1, 2017

Black History Month 2017: The Black Singers Dominating the Opera World Today

It is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. As a month-long celebration, OperaWire will provide weekly features that embrace the {…}