Q & A : Pamela Z & Geoff Sobelle on the Experience of Creating ‘Times3 (Times x Times x Times)’

(Credit: Shawn Harris, San Francisco, CA) Composer Pamela Z and theatre artist Geoff Sobelle’s “Times3 (Times x Times x Times)” is PROTOTYPE’s fourth iteration of “Out of Bounds,” a platform for new vocal performance pieces taking place in unlikely locations throughout New York. This multidimensional sonic experience is a site-specific journey through Times Square that calls to mind the importance {…}

Q & A: MET Orchestra Members Barbara Jöstlein Currie & Julia Bruskin on the Orchestra’s Spotlight Series & the Current State of Organization

The MET Orchestra, one of the greatest in the world, is in jeopardy. Read that again. The MET Orchestra, one of the greatest in the world, is in jeopardy. That’s not just an opinion. As reported in multiple news outlets, including this one, none other than the iconic conductor, Maestro Riccardo Muti, unequivocally stated just that. In his letter dated {…}

A Program Like No Other – Becca Conviser Founder & Director of Opernfest Prague On its Revolutionary Young Artist Program

Becca Conviser, founder and director of the innovative young artist program Opernfest Prague (OFP), is a remarkable young industry influencer. In four short years Conviser has built up a program like no other. At the end of an intense week of instruction and coaching, OFP Fellows perform house auditions, backed by a full orchestra, in front of theater chiefs from {…}

Q & A: Co-Directors Joel Ivany & Reneltta Arluk on ‘Messiah Complex,’ A Revolutionary Approach to Handel’s Masterpiece

Handel’s “Messiah” is ubiquitous with the holiday season. Everywhere you look, opera companies and major choral ensembles are revving up to showcasing this towering masterpiece. Even the pandemic has not slowed down the tradition, with companies turning to unique approaches to the work as a means of sustaining the holiday spirit. Then there’s the “Messiah Complex,” a collaboration between Against {…}

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 Heiman Digital Studio following all safety regulations. At the head of the production was General Director Khor Dastoor, {…}

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: 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, {…}