As far as opera composers in the English language go, Benjamin Britten is arguably the greatest there has ever been. Born on Nov. 22, 1913, Britten would go on to compose many of the staples of the modern opera repertoire. “Peter Grimes” is widely considered one of the greatest works in the repertory, while “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Billy {…}
Lawrence Tibbett was one of the shining stars of the Metropolitan Opera in the pre-World War II era. The baritone, born on Nov. 16, 1896, would sing over 600 performances with the company between his debut on Nov. 24, 1923 and his final performance on March 24, 1950. Interestingly, he began his Met career as a bit role in “Boris {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features Wash Westlemoreland’s “Colette.” {…}
Which is better? A catchy tune or a powerful dramatic monologue? Throughout its history, opera’s form and style has consistently evolved with composers and librettists placing emphasis on different aspects of how they tell stories through opera. Which style do you like best? Which style suits you more than any other? Take the ensuing quiz to find out!
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Queen’s {…}
It’s a Christian van Horn kind of year. The bass-baritone has already opened a new production of “Faust” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, headlined opening night at Opera Philadelphia, and won the Richard Tucker Award. He also starred at the Canadian Opera and returns to the Metropolitan Opera for “La Bohème.” But perhaps his biggest assignment will come this week when he sings {…}
Encompass New Opera Theatre’s 2018-2019 season began with the world premiere of “Anna Christie,” with music by Edward Thomas and libretto by the late Joe Masteroff. Artistic Director Nancy Rhodes hosted opening night on Oct. 9, 2018, at Baruch Performing Arts Center to celebrate the debut and honor of Thomas and Masteroff. Masteroff, who died Sept. 28 made a {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features Bradley Cooper’s “A {…}
A little over a month ago, the news struck that the Metropolitan Opera would be bringing in a plethora of new works, branching out its operations to new venues, and would be bringing in women composers to expand its creative output. Among those composers is Missy Mazzoli, whose profile as a leading composer has rocketed in the last few years. {…}
