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Q & A: Tenor Brian Giebler on ‘a lad’s love,’ Opera in Times of COVID,

American singer Brian Giebler impresses with his light high-placed tenor and has established a career singing virtuosic and eclectic repertoire, focusing on Baroque and contemporary music, musical theatre, and new opera at once. An active crossover artist, dedicated to the changing landscape of new music, Giebler has performed with The English Concert, The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Baroque, Boston Early Music Festival, Grand Rapids {…}

Q & A: Khori Dastoor on Opera San Jose’s ‘Three Decembers’ & the World of Opera Streaming

On Dec. 3, 2020, Opera San José will present an innovative fully staged production of Jake Heggie’s vibrant modern opera, “Three Decembers” via streaming. The production will include Maya Kherani, Efraín Solís, and Susan Graham and was filmed at Opera San José’s Fred Heiman Digital Studio following all safety regulations. At the head of the production was General Director Khor {…}

Forging A New Operatic Culture & Identity – Author & Performing Arts Manager Paolo Petrocelli on the Development of Opera in MENA

When the world of opera speaks of its development into the future, that evolution usually centers on conversations taking place in traditional opera settings, including Europe and North America. But the Middle East has not often been a major focal point of that conversation. Paolo Petrocelli, author of “The Evolution of Opera Theatre in the Middle East and North Africa” {…}

Q & A: Composer Matthew Peterson on Creating ‘Voir Dire’ & the Challenges of Academic Training

Credit: Froede Wendelbo Swedish-American composer Matthew Peterson is an independent and vital voice in the new opera world. He studied at Gotland School of Music Composition, Indiana University School of Music, and St. Olaf College. Just as his education is varied, this composer’s music defies categorization and encompasses many different genres. His dynamic, socially relevant true-crime opera “Voir Dire (To {…}

Q & A: Lawrence Brownlee & Michael Spyres on Rossini, New ‘Amici e Rivali’ Album, Theatre Closures, and the Road Ahead

On Nov. 13, 2020, renowned tenors Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres are set to release their new album “Amici e Rivali” on Erato. The selections draw from seven of Rossini’s operas, with an approach that not only celebrates his music but pays homage to the artists of the composer’s time who interpreted these works, such as Andrea Nozzi, Giovanni David, {…}

Q & A: Carrie-Ann Matheson on Salzburg Festival, Europe & Her New Position at the Merola Opera Program

In August, the Merola Opera Program named Carrie-Ann Matheson the new Artistic Director succeeding Sheri Greenawald. Her new position will provide artistic and musical leadership for all Opera Center artists and projects, including acting as the primary musical coach for its young artists, overseeing their development, collaborating on recitals, and conducting performances. Matheson began her career at the Metropolitan Opera, {…}