John Swinney, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and acting Finance Minister, has reversed his decision to reduce funding for the national arts and culture sector. The proposed budget included cuts of almost £7 million, but these were canceled at the last minute. As per the initial budget, Creative Scotland’s funding would have been slashed from £63 million to £56 million, a {…}
The Donizetti Opera has announced its 2024 season marking its 10th edition. The festival, which will be held between Nov. 15 and Dec. 1 will inaugurate with “Roberto Devereux.” The tragic opera will be performed in a critical edition by Julia Lockhart for Casa Ricordi realized as part of the National Edition with the collaboration and contribution of the Municipality {…}
The Pittsburgh Opera has announced its 2023-24 season. Opera Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” opens the season with Lunga Eric Hallam, John McCullough, Stephanie Lauricella, and Musa Nqungwana. Antony Walker conducts the production by Crystal Manich. Performance Dates: October 14, 17, 20, 22, 2023 Kyle Albertson, Marjorie Owens, Daniel O’Hearn, and Leah Heater lead Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman.” Antony Walker {…}
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2023-24 season. Here is a look at the vocal performances of the season. James Gaffigan conducts Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” with Heidi Melton, Meredith Arwady, Antonio Poli, and Brian Mulligan. Performance Dates: Nov. 11 & 12, 2023 Kevin McBeth conducts IN UNISON Chorus in a concert Gospel Christmas. Performance Dates: Dec. 8, 2023 Stéphane {…}
Credit: Dasha Dare On February 26, 2023, Carnegie Hall will present a free concert featuring soprano Yvette Keong and pianist Gracie Francis. Held at St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church, the recital is part of Carnegie Hall’s Citywide initiative, which partners with local organizations to present exceptional and accessible performances. The program will include selections from Schoenberg’s “Vier {…}
Image: J. Fischnaller Soprano Fatma Said is set to make her Carnegie Hall debut on April 4, 2023. The Egyptian soprano will appear alongside Spanish guitarist Rafael Aguirre in music by Manuel de Falla, Rodrigo, Palomo, Hosni, Obradors, Lorca, Abdel-Rahim, Ziad Rahbani, Serrano, Daud Hosni, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and contemporary Egyptian composer Sherif Mohie El Din, among others. The concert aims {…}
The Youth Music Culture The Greater Bay Area has announced the appointment of Daniel Harding as its next Music Director for a five-year term beginning in 2024. Harding will lead a symphonic program with YMCG participants chosen from conservatories across China and overseas, performing in Guangzhou and in other cities in the Greater Bay Area. The conductor will succeed Yo-Yo Ma, {…}
The Chicago Philharmonic is set to present a concert featuring bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green this October. The event, set for Oct. 14, 2023, will mark Green’s debut with the ensemble. Scott Speck will conduct the program which will feature music from “Champion,” “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and “Der Fliegende Holländer,” among other works. “There are no small concerts for Chicago {…}
The Buxton International Festival has announced its 2023 slate. For the purposes of this article, our focus will be on vocal performances. Opera The first opera of the season will be “La Sonnambula” in a production by Harry Fehr. Adrian Kelly conducts. Performance Dates: July 8 – 22, 2023 Next up is “Il Re Pastore” with Katie Coventry, Ellie Neate, {…}
(Credit: Simon Pauly) Derek Welton has joined TACT International Art Management for General Management. Welton is described as “mightily imposing” and “noble sounding,” and is a noted interpreter of Wagner’s music. He has performed such roles as Figaro, Il Conte, Don Giovanni, through Pandolfe, Don Pizarro to Orest, Wanderer, and Wotan. He has performed at some of the most prestigious {…}
The Royal Conservatory has announced Alexander Brose as its new President and CEO. The company revealed that Brose will take over the position from Dr. Peter Simon, with the transition beginning in September 2023; at that point, he will assume the role of President Designate. Brose will officially take over the position of President and CEO following Simon’s departure on {…}