The Crypt Sessions return in April with countertenor John Holiday. Holiday will perform a set of art songs, arias, spirituals, and standards, taking a break from touring with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The concert will take place in the Crypt Chapel under the Church of the Intercession in Harlem. The performance will include a pre-concert food and {…}
On April 9, 2018, Teresa Berganza will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Opera Awards 2018. The organization announced that Spanish mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza will receive the award for her legendary operatic career. Berganza, who studied music at the Madrid Conservatory, where she was awarded the first prize for singing in 1954, made her concert debut in {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper announced two major cast changes for two different productions. The first cast will be seen in “Der Rosenkavalier.” Anna Prohaska will fill in as Sophie joining Angela Brower, Peter Rose, and Adrienne Pieczonka in the final performance of the season. Meanwhile, Leonardo Caimi will replace Bryan Hymel in “Les Vêpres Siciliennes.” Caimi heroically sang the final act backstage {…}
The LA Opera has announced two major cast changes for its upcoming production of Rigoletto, scheduled to open on May 12. Baritone Leo Nucci, who had been scheduled to perform the title role on May 12, 16 and 19, opted out the performances as he is limiting his performances outside Europe. As a result, he will be replaced on those {…}
This weekend will see opera houses in full swing presenting classics and new modern masterpieces. For this weekend preview, we’ve gone to Europe, South America, and Asia as many leading stars are performing around the world. Three Sisters – Teatro Colón, Argentina Hungarian composer Peter Eötvös’ opera opens the Teatro Colón in a new production by Rubén Szuchmacher. Jovita Vaskeviciute, Anna Lapkovskaja, {…}
This week’s picks are all about debuts. We’re talking about house debuts for artists, house debuts for operas, and in one case a role and house debut all in one. It’s going to be a fun weekend with the biggest challenge likely coming down to where you want to be on Saturday night. Orfeo ed Euridice – Florida Grand Opera {…}
Conductor James Levine has sued the Metropolitan Opera. The AP reported that Levine opted to sue the opera company on Thursday after a sexual misconduct investigation that ended in the conductor being fired. According to Levine’s representative the company “exploited baseless allegations to tarnish him and then fired him without so much as a phone call. The lawsuit accuses the company {…}
Madison Lyric Stage is set to hold its season fundraiser on April 7 at 7 p.m. at the Deacon John Grave House. The event will feature food, drinks, and entertainment. There will also be a silent auction that will feature apartment stays, private dinners, original watercolor paintings, and theater tickets, among other things. The company’s cast members will also preview {…}
Opera America has announced the latest recipients of the Discovery Grants from the Opera Grants for Female Composers program. The grants are made possible by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and are given to promote the development of works by women. This year’s recipients include Lisa DeSpain for “That Hell-Bound Train,” Alexa Dexa for “Be a Doll,” Germaine Franco for “¡La Capitana!,” Elizabeth Kelly for “Losing Her Voice,” Leanna Kirchoff for “Friday After Friday,” {…}
La Monnaie has announced its 2018-19 season, featuring nine operatic productions and concert performances, as well as numerous recitals. As always the season will feature some of today’s greatest stars and rising stars. Here is a look at what the season will offer in vocal events. Operas “Die Zauberflöte” opens the season in a new production by director Romeo Castellucci {…}
Opera San Jose has announced its 2018-19 season, presenting two company premieres and four productions in total. The season begins with the company premiere of Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio.” The comic gem will be directed by Michael Shell in a new production that will be conducted by Donato Cabrera. Performance Dates: Sept. 15-30, 2018 Mozart’s comedy will be followed by {…}