(Photo: Jonathan Tichler / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera has been performing Anthony Minghella’s sumptuous production of “Madama Butterfly” for so long now it’s almost a comfort watch – were it not for the unerringly bleak plot – in its familiarity. It’s become a staple of New York’s stages since ads showcasing the flowing colors of the staging blanketed the {…}
St. Pete Opera is set to present Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” The production, which opens on June 7, 2024, runs through June 11 and will feature Chelsea Lehnea in the title role. She is joined by Ben Werley as Edgardo, Kyle Oliver as Enrico, and Andrew Allan Hiers as Raimondo. Other cast members include Chris Romeo, Jordan Blair, and Kevin {…}
(Photo credit: The Kennedy Center) Renée Fleming VOICES at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have announced “John Gallagher Jr. and Band” as an addition to its program this season. The performance at the Kennedy Center coincides with Gallagher’s national tour of his upcoming third album, “Goodbye or Something.” Composed entirely by Gallagher, the 11 original tracks {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera is set to present the world premiere of “American Apollo.” The new opera by composer Damien Geter and librettist Lila Palmer, which was originally conceived as a 20-minute chamber opera in 2021 as part of Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative, was expanded and transformed into a full-length work. The cast will include baritone Justin Austin {…}
Martijn Dendievel has been named the Chief conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra. He will begin his tenure starting January 2026. Dendievel is a winner of the German Conductors’ Prize and has had guest appearances with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, Copenhagen Philharmonic, and the Tonkünstler Orchestra Vienna, among others. He is a regular guest conductor with orchestras such as {…}
Alan Willaert, the American Federation of Musicians’ Vice President from Canada and Director of Canadian Affairs passed away on April 18. Willaert began his music career began at 15, and was a touring musician through the late 1990s. Throughout his career he passionate and a tenacious advocate for Canadian musicians—whether at contract negotiations or speaking about the impact of legislation {…}
The New York City Labor Chorus presents “Concert for Peace & Justice” at St. Mark’s Church in New York. The 40-member chorus is set to give a program that tells the story of labor’s history and ongoing struggles, drawing on gospel, jazz, classical, and folk traditions. Jana Ballard, who is the music director at Christ Church, S.I., and an instructor {…}
ChamberQUEER has announced its “Constellation Festival,” a celebration of queer community, diversity, and excellence in chamber music for 2024 Pride month. “Constellation” is the organization’s sixth annual Pride month festival. The Fringe Festival-style format will provide a diversity of affordable cultural programming that platforms queer artists during Pride month, including family-friendly, sensory-friendly, and free events. Only vocal events are featured for {…}
(Photo credit: Mark Gulezian) Interlochen Center for the Arts will present the world premiere of Dr. Bill Banfield’s opera “Edmonia,” based on the life and artistry of 19th-century African American and indigenous (Ojibwe) sculptor Edmonia Lewis. The opera was originally commissioned in 2000 by Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison, with collaboration from poet Yusef Komunyakaa. Banfield’s opera dramatizes {…}
Roulette founder Jim Staley has announced he will be stepping down from his 45-year post as Artistic Director. At the end of the current season, Staley will be relieved of his duties and welcome incoming Artistic Director Matt Mehlan, who will join Executive Director Jamie Burns in co-leading the organization. Staley is known for shaping and forever changing the experimental {…}
(Photo credit: Lori Sax) Sarasota Opera is set to host the finals for the third annual national finals of the Schmidt Vocal Competition. The top three winners from each of the 15 regional competitions will compete for a $10,000 first prize. The second prize winner will receive $7,500, and $5,000 will be awarded to the third place winner. On June {…}