Q & A: Soprano Emma Bell on Lyric vs. Dramatic Roles, Interpreting ‘Vanessa’ & ‘Fidelio’

(Credit: Paul Foster-Williams) In recent seasons, British soprano Emma Bell has developed her repertoire, moving from the Mozart heroines, with which she established her career, to the key dramatic roles of Wagner and Beethoven. She has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Metropolitan Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Staatsoper Hamburg, Deutsche Oper Berlin, among others. OperaWire {…}

Q & A: Voice Teacher Bill Schuman on 30 Years at AVA & Receiving the Distinguished Achievement in the Arts Award

On Saturday, March 28th, the Academy of Vocal Arts will celebrate its 85th anniversary with BrAVA Philadelphia! For the first time 80 years, The Met Philadelphia stage will showcase some of the best-known singers in the world. The gala will honor the internationally recognized voice teacher Bill Schuman, bestowing upon him the AVA Distinguished Achievement in the Arts Award. Schuman {…}

Q & A: Composer Stuart MacRae On Early Works, ‘Anthropocene’ & “Prometheus”

(Credit:Loudon MacRae Photography) Composer Stuart MacRae has established himself as one of the most distinctive composers of his generation. He has written a range of orchestral and opera works in his career, with his most recent orchestral work including the symphony “Prometheus,” which premiered in November 2019. He has also composed five operas to date –  “The Assassin Tree,” “Remembrance {…}

Mending Wall – How PRISM Saxophone Quartet Joined Forces with Soprano Tony Arnold for a Unique Musical Journey

This article has been updated from the original published on Mar. 6, 2020. In February 2022, PRISM saxophone quartet will present the long-awaited world premiere of “Mending Wall,” a fully staged production that examines the meaning of walls and the questions surrounding identity, community, division, and freedom. The performances will be presented in Pennsylvania at the Bryn Mawr Performing Arts {…}