After the Afghan Youth Orchestra had been denied visas to perform in Britain, the Home Office overturned its decision, allowing the group to perform. In a statement, the Home Office said, “Musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture. Applications have to be considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules, with the {…}
On a captivating evening that combined love’s celebration with the beauty of opera, the Opéra de Paris presented Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” on February 14th, 2024, marking both a highlight of the season and a fitting tribute to the day dedicated to love. This co-production with the Wiener Staatsoper distinguished itself through a meticulously Parisian mise-en-scène and a vivid realization of {…}
The Poulenc Trio will join forces with soprano Shawnette Sulker for “Virtuosos of Contemporary & Classical Chamber Music” on March 17. The performance, which will take place at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, CA, will feature works by Poulenc, Viet Cuong, Duke Ellington, and Rossini. Sulker, who is making her Kohl Mansion debut, has performed at several theaters around the world {…}
OPERA America has announced the recipients of its 2024 Repertoire Development Grants. In sum, these awards total $185,000. American Lyric Theater received a grant for its upcoming production of “She Who Dared” by Jasmine Barnes and Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton. Calgary Opera, in collaboration with Vancouver Opera, received a grant for Ian Cusson, Parmela Attariwala, and Yvette Nolan’s “Namwayut.” Des Moines {…}
Each music-lover has their “Requiem” of choice. The Heroic will want to be mourned under Verdi’s; tender souls feel represented by the ethereal melodies of Brahms or Fauré. But, it is safe to say that nine of ten music-lovers prefer Mozart’s unfinished “Requiem.” More than a masterpiece, it is arguably the most gracious sacred work in the classical repertoire. However, {…}
The Dutch National Opera is set to present Puccini’s triptych “Il Trittico” for the first time. The opera will premiere on May 3, 2024 and will be shown in celebration of the centenary of Puccini’s death 1924-2024. “Il Trittico” will be conducted by Lorenzo Viotti. Stage director Barrie Kosky will helm the production and will star baritone Michael Volle in {…}
Pittsburgh Opera has announced the debut of an innovative program to make it easier for patrons to enjoy their opera performances. The company announced that it will be offering free childcare to children ages 2-12 at the Sunday, March 24th matinee performance of “La Traviata” at the Benedum Center. The childcare will take place onsite at the Benedum Center, in {…}
On March 8, 2024, Angel Studios is set to release Alejandro Mointeverde’s new film “Cabrini.” The movie tells the story of Mother Cabrini, who after witnessing disease and poverty in the slums of New York, embarks on a daring journey to persuade the hostile mayor to provide housing and healthcare for hundreds of orphaned children. The film stars Christiana Dell’Anna {…}
MasterVoices is set to close its 2023-24 season on April 17 at Carnegie Hall with a revised concert version of “The Grapes of Wrath.” The opera by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Michael Korie is based on the epic novel of the same name by Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck. Set in the Great Depression of the 1930s, it {…}
The Metropolitan Opera is set to present Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” for seven performances. The opera, which opens on March 7 and runs through March 30, is set to star Nadine Sierra and Benjamin Bernheim. The production also features Samantha Hankey, Will Liverman, Frederick Ballentine, and Alfred Walker. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the production by Bartlet Sher. which had {…}
Sir Bryn Terfel is set to perform in Mexico for the first time on March 21, 2024. La Secretaría de Cultura, el Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura (INBAL), and la Fundación INBAL in collaboration with the Nacional de Ópera and Elisa Wagner/ICP will present the acclaimed bass-baritone. The program will include arias from “Die Walkure,” and “Die Meistersinger {…}