[UPDATE] Utopia Opera’s 2017-18 Season: ‘Tosca,’ ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ and ‘The Yeoman Of The Guard’ Highlight New Season

This was an April Fool’s Joke, clarified by the company via Twitter. Apologies for anyone that was excited by this announcement. Utopia Opera’s 2017-18 was released on its Facebook page this past week. The company’s productions will be staged by William Remmers, in English, and will have a chamber orchestra accompanying the performances. To kick off the season, “Tosca,” by Giacomo {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Lawrence Brownlee Launches Autism Awareness Fundraiser

Lawrence Brownlee is doing his all for Autism Awareness. The tenor launched a fundraising campaign for Autism Speaks on Monday with the aim of raising $3000 for Autism awareness research. “As part of Autism awareness month, I have decided to ride 300 miles to raise $3000 for Autism awareness research! This is a cause that’s close to my heart because {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Isabel Leonard & Lawrence Brownlee Among Featured Singers at San Francisco Performances in 2017-18

Some of the world’s greatest opera stars will appear at the San Francisco Performances in 2017-18 as part of the company’s vocal series. First up on the slate is Isabel Leonard who is slated to pay tribute to Leonard Bernstein as part of his Centennial celebration. The performance takes place on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at the Herbst Theatre. Three {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Kate Lindsey to Release New Album Featuring Music of Immigrants

On May 19, 2017, Kate Lindsey will release her debut album with Alpha Classics. The mezzo-soprano, who is currently in Los Angeles performing the role of Nicklause in “Les Contes d’Hoffmann,” will collaborate with jazz pianist Baptiste Trotignon. Entitled “Thousands of Miles,” the album will feature the music of immigrant composers, including Kurt Weill, Alma Mahler, Zemlinsky, and Korngold. According {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Diana Damrau & Vittorio Grigolo To Sign CDs At Los Angeles Opera

Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo are major favorites right now in the opera world, the two joining forces for a beloved run of “Roméo et Juliette” in New York this past winter before continuing their run of strong performances together in Los Angeles Opera’s production of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” Now the duo will give fans more reasons to love them {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Tebaldi International Voice Competition Opens Audition Process

The seventh edition of the Tebaldi International Voice Competition has opened its application process. The Competition, which is taking place from Sept. 6 through 9, is divided into two sections, Ancient and Baroque repertoire and Opera from Mozart until the 20th Century. Candidates interested in participating will have until June 10 to submit. Each candidate must submit a video and {…}

Apr 4, 2017

Ailyn Perez Awarded Medal of Excellence At Sphinx

Ailyn Pérez was awarded the Sphinx Medal of Excellence in a Private black tie dinner in Washington D.C on March 29. Pérez was awarded alongside Kelly Hall-Tompkins and Eugene Rogers for their contributions as colored artists. “The work of these tremendous artists is in perfect resonance with Sphinx’s mission. We are truly honored to celebrate these leaders at a time when social justice and {…}

Apr 3, 2017

David Daniels Cancels Concert With Virginia Symphony

David Daniels has canceled his participation with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The countertenor was scheduled to perform Kenneth Fuch’s work “Poems of Life.” On his website, a statement noted, “It is with great sadness that David Daniels must withdraw from his performance with the Virginia Symphony for the premiere of Kenneth Fuchs’ ‘Poems of Life.’ This has been a project of {…}

Apr 3, 2017

Artist Of The Week: Valentina Naforniță Seduces As Adina At the Hamburg State Opera

Valentina Naforniță is quickly becoming a leading lady in the opera world. Her rise came shortly after winning the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2011 and since then she has been a main attraction at the Vienna State Opera. While Naforniță may not be a recognizable name yet in the States, this week she expands her horizons as {…}

Apr 3, 2017

CD/DVD Releases -Week of April 3: Jonas Kaufmann Leads With New Mahler Recording

This week Jonas Kaufmann has a new CD out while Dynamic brings a new “Otello” interpretation to home video. Das Lied Von Erde Sony releases a new recording of Mahler’s “Das Lied von Erde” with none other than Jonas Kaufmann. In this new recording conducted by Jonathan Nott, Kaufmann takes on the tenor and baritone parts. The symphony is accompanied {…}

Apr 3, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About the Bayerische Staatsoper’s 2017-18 Festspiele

One of the unique features of the Bayerische Staatsoper is its summer festival, the “Festspiele” which features a plethora of opera and ballet during the summer months. Here is a survey of what’s in store for those interested in an operatic summer in Munich. New Productions New productions of “Parsifal” and “Orlando Paladino” will get showcases in the summer, both {…}