Since her debut in 2002, Michèle Losier has become one of the most in-demand mezzo-sopranos in the world. She has garnered acclaim in numerous roles and has performed on some of the world’s greatest stages including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, San Francisco Opera, Salzburg Festival and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, among others. This month Losier sings at the Edinburgh Festival {…}
Often attention is focused on the stars of the opera world, but below the stellasphere there exist thousands of other singers, directors, conductors, and musicians pursuing their careers. Some are fairly well established and make comfortable livings on the stage and in the concert halls, some struggle to maintain a full calendar, while others are winding down as retirement approaches, {…}
The calendar year of 2018 is only half-way done, but for Steven LaBrie, it has been quite the ride. A survey of his year has included a plethora of major achievements. He debuted a new album, stepped into new roles for the first time, shared the stage with major stars, and debuted at new theaters as well. And he still {…}
Sesto Quatrini made his Italian debut, conducting Verdi’s “Un giorno di regno,” at the Festival della Valle d’Itria, July 20, 2017, a little over one year ago. Since then he has debuted at, amongst other venues, La Fenice and Verona. It has been a rapid rise for the young conductor who, at the age of 34, seems destined for the {…}
Jennifer Williams started off her own artistic career as a composer. But soon enough she found that her voice could only come to full fruition as a director. With a Ph. D. from Cornell University, as well as degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Chicago, she quickly built up a career in both {…}
There was a time when opera was little more than an European art form. That is not longer our time. Today opera is truly a global art, with some of the world’s most famed artists not only coming from Europe and North America, but also South America Asia, Australia, and Africa. Africa is of particular note, boasting a number of artists {…}
Joyce El-Khoury is quickly rising the ranks of the opera world for her versatility and artistry. She has also gained a reputation for bringing newly discovered and rarely performed works to life, collaborating with Opera Rara, and performing them with numerous important companies. She has also performed in many of the great theaters in the world bringing an immense repertoire. {…}
Each summer, Innsbruck hosts its Festival for Early Music. Established in 1976, it specializes in presenting historically informed performances of early music, including operas, many of which have not been heard for hundreds of years. Currently it is under the artistic direction of the early music specialist, Alessandro De Marchi, who has been in the post since 2010. Over the {…}
Nic McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (PBO) have accomplished a plethora of amazing experiences together. McGegan, who has been the music director of the orchestra, since 1985, has made numerous recordings with the organization, particularly of early works including Handel’s “Messiah,” “Dido and Aeneas,” and the concertos of Corelli, among many others. But McGegan and his orchestra may have topped {…}